The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to Australia with a highly anticipated event, UFC 312, taking place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. This event not only provided thrilling matchups but also highlighted the resilience and dominance of its champions. As we delve into the night’s action, we will unpack the significance of the bouts and the implications following this event.
The main event featured a much-anticipated rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Du Plessis emerged victorious by unanimous decision, further solidifying his place at the top of the middleweight division with a record of 23 wins and 2 losses in mixed martial arts (MMA). This victory marked Du Plessis’ ninth consecutive win in the UFC, making it the longest active streak in the middleweight class. Historically, this achievement ties him with notable fighters such as Chris Weidman, although it remains shy of the records held by legends Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya.
Strickland, with a storied career of his own, fell to a record of 7-4 since transitioning back to the middleweight division in 2020. Known for his striking ability, Strickland still holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC middleweight history. This is a testament to his gas tank and technical striking but indicates a troubling trend—five of his seven losses have come by decision, suggesting that while he can keep up with the pace, finishing fights remains a challenge for him.
In the co-main event, Zhang Weili defended her strawweight title against a fierce competitor, Tatiana Suarez. Weili, extending her record to 26 victories and only 3 setbacks, showcased her tactical acumen and endurance against an up-and-coming Suarez, ultimately winning via unanimous decision. This match further establishes Weili as one of the most dominant forces in the strawweight division, tying her for the most championship fight victories with Joanna Jedrzejczyk—a notable non-fighter match statistic that speaks volumes to her standing in the sport.
Suarez, despite her first professional loss, should not be counted out. Her ten-fight win streak was impressive, and this defeat serves more as a lesson than a setback. It will be intriguing to see how she will rebound from this experience, as her potential remains significant in the division.
Analyzing the fight statistics not only reveals individual fighter achievements but also provides insights into the evolving strategies within the UFC. Du Plessis’ streak emphasizes the importance of consistency in performance, a trait that is invaluable as fighters aim for championship bouts. Meanwhile, Weili’s decision victories indicate her strategic fighting style, often opting for control over sheer power, a tactic that can be considerably effective in championship rounds.
Moreover, several fighters on the undercard also made headlines for both remarkable victories and statistics worth noting. The event marked the end of winning streaks for both Colby Thicknesse and Steele, showing that even the most promising fighters can face hurdles. Conversely, newcomers such as Salkilld impressed with a rapid TKO victory, pointing to the continuous influx of talent in the UFC.
UFC 312 was more than just a series of fights; it was a showcase of skill, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of supremacy in mixed martial arts. With champions like Du Plessis and Weili defending their titles, the event solidified their legacies and opened up new chapters for their challengers. As the UFC continues to grow in popularity and competitiveness, events like UFC 312 remind us of the spirit of the sport—resilience, determination, and the quest for greatness. Fans and fighters alike will be eagerly watching how the outcomes of this event shape the future of the division and the careers of those who competed.