UFC 312 Preview: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, Full Fight Card and Opening Odds
The highly anticipated UFC 312 takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. This event is headlined by a middleweight title rematch between Dricus du Plessis and former champion Sean Strickland, with a co-main event featuring UFC women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili defending her title against the undefeated Tatiana Suarez. With a lineup full of exciting matchups, UFC 312 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of the year.
Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2: The Rematch for Middleweight Gold
Dricus du Plessis, boasting a stellar 22-2 record, enters UFC 312 on a ten-fight winning streak, including an impressive 8-0 record in the UFC. Known for his aggressive fighting style, Du Plessis has six finishes and four performance bonuses under his belt. Since defeating Strickland to claim the middleweight title at UFC 297, Du Plessis has added another notable win, submitting former champion Israel Adesanya in August 2024.
Sean Strickland, a veteran with a 29-6 record, is determined to reclaim the title he lost to Du Plessis. Strickland’s first fight with Du Plessis was a closely contested split decision that earned both fighters “Fight of the Night” honors. Strickland’s conservative approach in that bout, influenced by his respect for Du Plessis’ power and wrestling, was a key factor in the outcome. Since then, Strickland has rebounded with a hard-fought split-decision win over Paulo Costa in June 2024, vowing to fight only for the belt moving forward.
This rematch promises to be another explosive encounter, with Du Plessis looking to solidify his reign and Strickland seeking redemption.
Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez: A Clash of Styles
In the co-main event, Zhang Weili, the reigning women’s strawweight champion, defends her belt against Tatiana Suarez, the division’s No. 1 contender. Zhang, with a 25-3 record, has been dominant in her second stint as champion. Her victories over Amanda Lemos and Yan Xiaonan showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to different fighting styles. Known for her striking prowess and durability, Zhang aims to continue her reign atop the strawweight division.
Tatiana Suarez, undefeated with a 10-0 record, is a formidable challenger. A highly accomplished wrestler, Suarez’s career has been plagued by injuries, limiting her activity since joining the UFC in 2016. However, Suarez has made a strong comeback, securing submission wins over Montana De La Rosa and former champion Jessica Andrade in 2023. Her grappling expertise and strategic approach make her a unique threat to Zhang’s title reign.
This fight is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with Zhang’s striking and experience pitted against Suarez’s relentless wrestling.
UFC 312 Fight Card Highlights and Betting Odds
The UFC 312 fight card features a mix of seasoned veterans and rising prospects. Notable matchups include:
- Justin Tafa (+210) vs. Tallison Teixeira (-250)
- Jimmy Crute (+240) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (-310)
- Cody Haddon (-200) vs. Aleksandre Topuria (+170)
- Tom Nolan (+130) vs. Viacheslav Borshchev (-150)
The main card streams on ESPN+ pay-per-view, while prelims air on ESPN2 and early prelims on ESPN+. Fans can expect high-stakes action as fighters aim to climb the rankings and make their mark in the UFC.
Conclusion
UFC 312 is set to deliver a night of thrilling fights, headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland. With the addition of a co-main event featuring Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez, the event promises excitement from start to finish. Whether it’s Du Plessis looking to cement his legacy, Strickland seeking redemption, or Suarez chasing her first UFC title, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Mark your calendars for February 8, 2025, as UFC 312 unfolds in Sydney, offering fight fans around the world a spectacle of elite competition. Be sure to tune in for live coverage on ESPN+ and stay updated on the latest betting odds and trends as fight night approaches.
