UFC 312 kept fight fans on the edge of their seats with a significant showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, which took place at the lively Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on February 8, 2025. This gripping main event saw Du Plessis successfully defend his middleweight title, overwhelming Strickland with accuracy and persistent pressure, securing a unanimous decision victory with scores across the board at 50-45.
The bout was electrifying, with Du Plessis clearly dictating the pace from the start. His striking game was both aggressive and calculated, wearing down Strickland through a relentless barrage of punches. The fourth round brought the fiercest action, when Du Plessis unleashed a fierce combination that caused significant damage to Strickland's nose, a moment that clearly impacted the rest of the fight. Despite the visible injury, Strickland admirably continued the match but couldn't counter the well-timed strikes and strategic approach from Du Plessis.
After the bout, Du Plessis didn't hold back on his ambitions. Confident in his performance, he asserted his position among the top three pound-for-pound fighters and suggested that the future holds even more significant opportunities for him in the UFC.
In the co-main event, Zhang Weili put on a clinic, defending her strawweight title against challenger Tatiana Suarez. Weili's performance was nothing short of dominant, further cementing her reputation and legacy in the division. This victory reaffirmed her status as a cornerstone of women's MMA and a force to be reckoned with in future title matches.
