The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) showcases its thrilling second numbered event of 2025 at the iconic Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Saturday—UFC 312. The card is headlined by an intense middleweight championship rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, while the co-main event features women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili defending her title against the undefeated Tatiana Suarez. Fans around the world eagerly anticipate a night of high-stakes competition, and there’s much to discuss regarding the implications of these matches.
Dricus Du Plessis enters the octagon as a prominent name in UFC history, having secured his position as one of only 14 undisputed middleweight champions. His record is noteworthy not only for his title but also for his perfect 8-0 streak in the UFC, marking him as the only South African champion in the organization’s history. Du Plessis has proven to be a formidable opponent, with a penchant for finishing fights; an impressive 20 of his 22 victories have come by way of stoppage, including eight first-round finishes. His striking metrics are compelling as he averages 6.18 significant strikes per minute—second only to Strickland in the division.
On the flip side, Sean Strickland has a rich career marked by triumph in multiple UFC weight divisions, an accomplishment achieved by only a select few fighters. His experience shines in the octagon; with an average fight time of 17:37, he has demonstrated a unique blend of endurance and technique. Strickland holds the record for the highest significant strikes landed per minute in middleweight competition at 6.32. Additionally, his defensive capabilities are remarkable, boasting a 62.3 percent strike defense rate—indicative of his ability to evade threats efficiently.
As these two skilled contestants meet again, both fighters have immense stakes on the line. Du Plessis will seek to extend his legacy with continued dominance, while Strickland aims to reclaim the championship glory that epitomizes a champion’s career in the UFC.
Zhang Weili’s rise to prominent status in the UFC has made her not only a favorite among fans but also a historic figure; she remains the only Chinese fighter to win a UFC title. In her renowned career, Weili has boasted impressive performances, with five victories in title fights, placing her second in strawweight history. Her remarkable prowess extends beyond mere title defenses; her striking ability in previous bouts showcases a staggering disparity in total strikes landed, indicating her efficiency and offensive capabilities. The bout against Tatiana Suarez is particularly intriguing, as Weili faces one of the most promising undefeated prospects.
Tatiana Suarez’s ascent within the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. Currently riding a seven-fight winning streak, she holds the longest active streak among female fighters in the promotion. Suarez is unique in the strawweight division, showcasing a high level of grappling skill, evidenced by her successful takedown rate of 65.8%. She has successfully executed multiple takedowns against every opponent she’s faced, making her ground game an essential element of her fighting style. Moreover, with three submission victories in the UFC, Suarez’s grappling prowess presents a multifaceted challenge for Weili.
This bout presents a clash between two distinct fighting philosophies—Weili with her striking finesse and Suarez with her grappling expertise. The question looms: Can Suarez neutralize Weili’s striking strength and implement her ground game effectively?
As fans prepare for UFC 312, several additional fighters merit attention. Jimmy Crute enters the event seeking redemption after facing the longest winless stretch of his career. With a history of high-caliber performances, Crute’s capability to complete over half of his takedown attempts demonstrates that, despite challenges, he possesses the skill set to make a statement.
Jake Matthews, an experienced Australian fighter, makes history with his 21st octagon appearance, the most by any fighter born in Australia. He has shown resilience throughout his career and displayed alternating patterns of wins and losses, raising questions about his ability to build momentum moving forward.
Lastly, keep an eye on Aleksandre Topuria, who debuts during this event. As the older brother of current featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, there is anticipation around his ability to carve out his own legacy within the UFC.
UFC 312 not only promises electrifying matchups but also serves as a critical juncture for several fighters. Championship titles hang in the balance, and fighter legacies are on the line as they step into the octagon. With the world watching, the outcomes of these battles may reshape the future of their respective divisions and continue to elevate the already soaring profile of the UFC on a global scale. The stage is set for an unforgettable night in Sydney, and fans worldwide are brimming with excitement.