Date: Saturday, February 17, 2025 / Location: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia / Where to Watch: ESPN+ / Disney+ / ESPN2
The UFC’s return to Australia has historically delivered unforgettable moments, and this weekends event at Qudos Bank Arena should be no different. From Holly Holm’s shocking knockout of Ronda Rousey to Sean Strickland’s stunning victory over Israel Adesanya, Australian cards have a habit of producing fireworks.
UFC 312 features a highly anticipated middleweight championship rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, while the co-main event sees Zhang Weili defending her strawweight title against undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez. With a mix of surging contenders, local talent, and championship stakes, this card has all the makings of a historic night in Sydney.
Middleweight Championship Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs. Sean Strickland
Just over a year after their razor-thin battle at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland meet again with the middleweight title hanging in the balance. Their first fight was a grueling five-round war, where both men had their moments, leaving the result open to debate. This rematch will determine once and for all who deserves to reign atop the 185-pound division.
South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis (21-2) has been on a relentless rise, winning 11 straight fights and remaining unbeaten inside the UFC. After capturing the title in January 2024, “Stillknocks” cemented his reign with a submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, ending their long-standing feud. Now, he returns to Australia looking to make his second title defense and eliminate any doubt about his superiority over Strickland.
Du Plessis relentless pressure, durability, and awkward-yet-effective striking make him a nightmare for opponents. His gas tank, once questioned, has proven to be a major weapon in grueling fights. Can he replicate his previous success against Strickland, or will the American come with adjustments?
Strickland (29-6) shocked the MMA world by dominating Israel Adesanya to win the middleweight title at UFC 293 in this very arena. However, his reign was short-lived, as he dropped a controversial split decision to Du Plessis at UFC 297. He rebounded impressively at UFC 302, dismantling Paulo Costa in a performance that most felt should have been a unanimous decision.
With his high-volume boxing, defensive shell, and ability to break opponents mentally, Strickland will aim to make the necessary adjustments to reclaim the belt. If he can avoid getting drawn into a brawl and impose his pace, he has a strong chance to become a two-time champion.
Key Questions for the Rematch
Will Du Plessis pace and power overwhelm Strickland again?
Can Strickland make the necessary technical adjustments to leave no doubt this time?
Will this fight be another razor-close war, or will one man leave no room for controversy?
Strawweight Championship Co-Main Event: Zhang Weili (C) vs. Tatiana Suarez
Before the middleweight title is decided, Zhang Weili (25-3) puts her strawweight championship on the line against the undefeated Tatiana Suarez (10-0) in a fascinating clash of styles.
The reigning two-time champion, Zhang has been dominant since reclaiming her title in 2023. In her last outing at UFC 300, she survived an early scare against fellow Chinese contender Yan Xiaonan before rallying to secure a hard-fought decision victory. Now 35 years old, Zhang remains one of the most complete fighters in the division, blending explosive striking with increasingly effective grappling.
However, Suarez presents a completely different challenge. Unlike Zhang’s recent opponents, the American is a dominant wrestler with a relentless ground game. Can Zhang keep the fight standing and use her striking to neutralize the takedown threat?
For years, Tatiana Suarez has been considered a future UFC champion. A former Olympic wrestling hopeful and Ultimate Fighter winner, she has steamrolled through her competition, including submission victories over Alexa Grasso and Jessica Andrade. Injuries have slowed her rise, but at 34, she finally gets her first title opportunity.
Suarez’s wrestling has been virtually unstoppable, and no one has truly tested her on the ground. If she can impose her grappling-heavy approach on Zhang, we could see a new champion crowned. However, with only one fight since 2023, will ring rust and durability be a concern?
Key Questions for the Co-Main Event
Can Zhang keep the fight standing and avoid Suarez’s relentless wrestling?
Will Suarez’s lack of recent activity affect her performance in her biggest fight yet?
If the fight goes the distance, whose gas tank will hold up better?
Final Thoughts: Expect Fireworks in Sydney
History suggests that UFC events in Australia always deliver something special, and UFC 312 is set up perfectly to continue that tradition. With two massive title fights, rising stars, and fan-favorite fighters, this card has all the ingredients for a night to remember.
Will Du Plessis cement his place as the undisputed king at 185 pounds, or will Strickland reclaim his throne? Can Zhang Weili continue her reign, or will Tatiana Suarez finally achieve her championship destiny?
Come fight night, Sydney will witness another chapter of UFC history one that is sure to leave fans talking for years to come.