The Octagon returns to Sydney for a night of high-stakes action as UFC 312 takes center stage at the Qudos Bank Arena on February 9, 2025. This marks the promotion’s seventh visit to the city and the first since UFC 293 in 2023, setting the stage for an explosive night of fights in front of a passionate Australian crowd.
Headlining the event is a grudge match for the middleweight championship, as Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland run it back in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter was a war, and with tensions even higher this time around, both fighters will be looking to make a statement under the bright lights.
With a stacked card featuring some of the best talent in the sport, every bout promises fireworks. The stakes are high, the atmosphere will be electric, and when the cage door closes, only the best will leave victorious. Sydney is in for a night to remember.
DRICUS DU PLESSIS 22 - 2 - 0 VS SEAN STRICKLAND 29 - 6 - 0
When Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland first clashed at UFC 297 in January 2024, the stakes could not have been higher. Strickland, the reigning middleweight champion, faced off against the relentless South African contender in a main-event showdown at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. What followed was a brutal, back-and-forth war that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Du Plessis walked away victorious that night, securing the belt via split decision in a razor-close contest. Both men pushed the pace, trading blows in a grueling five-round battle, but it was Du Plessis’ relentless aggression and superior activity that ultimately swayed the judges. Strickland, known for his durable defense and calculated striking, was forced onto the back foot for much of the fight as Du Plessis dictated the tempo and controlled key exchanges.
Now, heading into UFC 312, the rivalry has only intensified. Du Plessis boasts an impressive 22-2 record, riding a 10-fight winning streak, including a submission victory over former champion Israel Adesanya in August 2024. His UFC tenure has been nothing short of dominant, with eight wins, six finishes, and four performance bonuses to his name. Strickland, a seasoned veteran with a 29-6 career record, rebounded from his title loss with a hard-fought split decision victory over Paulo Costa in June. With 16 wins inside the UFC and a reputation for dragging opponents into deep waters, he is determined to reclaim his throne.
The rematch is set to be another war of attrition. Their first fight proved how evenly matched they are, with both men having moments of brilliance. Strickland will aim to make adjustments, tighten his defense, and counter Du Plessis’ relentless forward pressure. But if the South African can maintain his high pace, land the more damaging strikes, and avoid leaving himself exposed, he could once again edge out the American and solidify his reign as middleweight champion.
One thing is certain—this is not just a fight. It is a battle for pride, for legacy, and for ultimate supremacy in the 185-pound division. Buckle up, because UFC 312 is going to be a night to remember!
Dricus du Plessis (-205) vs. Sean Strickland (+175)
ZHANG WEILI 25 - 3 - 0 VS TITIANA SUAREZ 11 - 0 - 0
The UFC strawweight division is set for a high-stakes showdown as reigning champion Zhang Weili defends her title against the undefeated force that is Tatiana Suarez. With both fighters at the peak of their careers, this could be the most electrifying strawweight clash in recent history.
Zhang Weili (25-3) is no stranger to championship glory. The Chinese powerhouse is in her second reign as the UFC’s 115-pound queen, having first captured the belt in 2019 with a stunning 42-second TKO of Jessica Andrade. Zhang’s dominance continued with a war against Joanna Jedrzejczyk, winning a split decision in what many consider the greatest female fight in MMA history. However, her reign came crashing down in 2021 when Rose Namajunas delivered a brutal head-kick knockout, marking the first of two consecutive losses to "Thug Rose."
Refusing to fade into obscurity, Zhang stormed back with a vengeance. She reasserted herself as a wrecking force, knocking out Jedrzejczyk in their rematch before reclaiming UFC gold with a submission win over Carla Esparza in 2022. Since then, she has defended her throne twice, overcoming Amanda Lemos and Yan Xiaonan in dominant performances. With an unmatched combination of power, speed, and relentless aggression, Zhang has cemented herself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
Now, standing across from her is an opponent many have dubbed the "uncrowned champion"—Tatiana Suarez (11-0). A world-class wrestler with an undefeated record, Suarez has long been viewed as a future titleholder. Since winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2016, her career has been riddled with injuries, but when healthy, she has been an unstoppable force. After a nearly four-year layoff, Suarez made a triumphant return in 2023, securing back-to-back submission victories over Montana De La Rosa and former champion Jessica Andrade.
Suarez’s suffocating grappling has been the downfall of every opponent she has faced. She drags her foes into deep waters, leaving them gasping for air with relentless pressure and submission threats. If she can impose her game plan on Zhang, we could witness a changing of the guard. However, Zhang is an entirely different beast—a powerful striker with rock-solid takedown defense and a championship mindset forged in the fire of war.
Will Zhang’s raw power and experience keep the belt wrapped around her waist, or is it finally time for Suarez to claim the throne she was destined for? One thing is certain: when these two warriors collide, the octagon will shake, and only one will walk away as the undisputed queen of the strawweight division!
Zhang Weili (-104) vs. Tatiana Suarez (-116)
JUSTIN TAFA 7 - 4 - 0 VS TALLISON TEIXEIRA 7 - 0 - 0
The heavyweight division is always a breeding ground for chaos, and this clash between Justin Tafa and Tallison Teixeira promises fireworks. Two knockout artists with a point to prove will step into the Octagon, and the only certainty is that this one won’t be for the faint of heart.
Justin Tafa is a throwback brawler—pure power in his hands and a willingness to throw down until someone drops. Throughout his UFC career, he has delivered some highlight-reel knockouts but has also been on the receiving end of brutal finishes. While his punching power is undeniable, his defensive lapses and questionable cardio have made him a high-risk, high-reward fighter. When Tafa is in the cage, it’s never boring, but it’s also never predictable.
On the other side stands the undefeated Brazilian giant, Tallison Teixeira. Standing at 6'7", Teixeira is a mountain of a man who burst onto the scene with a vicious knockout win on Dana White’s Contender Series. At 7-0, he carries the aura of an emerging force in the division, boasting devastating striking and raw athleticism that could make him a problem for any heavyweight.
This fight could go one of two ways—either Tafa lands one of his signature bombs and puts the hype train to a screeching halt, or Teixeira uses his reach, power, and youth to overwhelm the more battle-worn brawler. Given his sheer physical gifts and ability to land fight-ending shots from range, the edge goes to Teixeira.
Prediction: Teixeira via knockout in a fight that is unlikely to see the final horn.
Justin Tafa (+132) vs. Tallison Teixeira (-152)
JIMMY CRUTE 12 - 4 - 1 VS RODOLFO BELLATO12 - 2 - 0
The light heavyweight clash between Jimmy Crute and Rodolfo Bellato is an intriguing matchup, though its placement on a pay-per-view card raises some eyebrows. Crute, a fan-favorite in Australia, has been sidelined since 2023 and is still searching for his first win since 2020. Meanwhile, Bellato enters the bout with momentum, but questions remain about his true potential at 205 pounds.
Crute burst onto the UFC scene as a promising prospect, but his career has since stalled due to injuries and a rough run of form. Once considered a rising force, the Aussie has struggled to string together victories, and his long layoff only adds to the uncertainty surrounding his return. His power and grappling skills are undeniable, but his defensive lapses and inconsistency have prevented him from reaching the next level.
Bellato, on the other hand, made a solid first impression in his UFC debut, though that was back in 2023. The Brazilian is 12-2, with both of his losses coming against Vitor Petrino, a fast-rising contender in the division. He brings aggressive striking and a solid submission game, making him a dangerous test for Crute, especially given the latter’s recent struggles.
Ultimately, this fight will likely come down to whether Crute can rediscover his old form or if Bellato’s momentum will carry him to a breakout win. Given Crute’s lengthy layoff and shaky track record in recent years, the safer pick is Bellato, who should be able to capitalize on any ring rust and defensive openings.
Prediction: Bellato via TKO in the second round.
Jimmy Crute (+145) vs. Rodolfo Bellato (-170)
**JAKE MATTHEWS 20 - 7 - 0 VS FRANSISCO PRADO 12 - 2 - 0 **
The welterweight showdown between Jake Matthews and Francisco Prado is a fascinating clash of experience versus youthful explosiveness. Once seen as a future star in the division, Matthews has struggled to maintain momentum due to sporadic activity, but he remains a well-rounded and battle-tested veteran. Across his UFC career, he has proven his durability, boasting sharp boxing, a strong grappling game, and the ability to shock the odds, as seen in his wins over Andre Fialho and Darrius Flowers.
Prado, on the other hand, represents the new wave of talent looking to make a name for himself. The Argentine earned a reputation as an all-action fighter following his thrilling war with Daniel Zellhuber, which ended in a narrow decision loss. However, he rebounded in spectacular fashion with a devastating knockout of Ottman Azaitar, showcasing his raw power and finishing instincts.
This matchup is a classic case of a seasoned fighter taking on a dangerous up-and-comer. Matthews' experience and durability make him a tough test for any opponent, but Prado’s explosiveness and relentless striking could be the difference. While Matthews has faced and beaten higher-level competition, the wear and tear of a long career could work against him against a hungry prospect like Prado.
Prediction: Prado via decision in a back-and-forth war.
Jake Matthews (-120) vs. Francisco Prado (+180)