UFC 312: Key Details of the Upcoming Pay-Per-View Event – The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make a thrilling return to the pay-per-view (PPV) arena with the much-anticipated UFC 312 event. This exciting mixed martial arts (MMA) showdown will feature a high-stakes middleweight title fight headlined by the current champion, Dricus Du Plessis, defending his title against the former champion, Sean Strickland. Fans can catch all the action this Sunday at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, although it will broadcast on Saturday night (Feb. 8) in most regions due to time zone differences.

To enjoy the electrifying UFC 312 event, make sure to secure a subscription to ESPN+ (sign up here) to stream the action live.

Analyzing the Main Card Fights at UFC 312 – Before we dive into the details of the five-fight PPV main card, it’s essential to highlight some exciting matchups. The co-main event showcases a strawweight clash between the reigning 115-pound champion, Zhang Weili, and the undefeated contender Tatiana Suarez. Additionally, a heavyweight bout will feature local favorite Justin Tafa going up against Brazilian fighter Tallison Teixeira. For those interested in betting, be sure to check out the full UFC 312 odds along with a comprehensive betting guide for the entire “Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2” PPV lineup here.

Previewing the Main Card: What to Expect This Weekend – Let’s take a closer look at what the PPV main card has to offer for fight fans this weekend “Down Under.”

Middleweight Championship Fight: Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis (22-2) vs. Sean “Tarzan” Strickland (29-6)

Strickland’s Quest for Redemption – Sean Strickland aims to demonstrate his prowess after feeling he was unjustly defeated at UFC 297 against Dricus Du Plessis. His claims of being robbed by “dirty Canadian leftists” have become part of his narrative. While initially perceived as humorous, Strickland’s attempts to portray himself as a savage fighter have become repetitive. In reality, he is known for his striking volume rather than knockout power, as evidenced by his record of six decision victories out of ten fights. His three losses also went to the judges, highlighting his strategic approach to fighting, which he likens to a “chess match.”

The Tactical Chess Match: Strickland’s Thoughts – “The difference is when you’re fighting world-class fighters, like we had Johnny Eblen out of Bellator here. You watch me and Johnny fight, it’s a f*cking chess match,” Strickland shared with ESPN. “World-class level striking meets world-class level striking. You’ll watch the pinnacle of any sport, and you’re like why is it different? Because I’m fighting the very best. So, you bring in anybody who’s not a top world champion, it’s easy. But you bring in an elite-level striker who’s been training their entire life for this moment, and it’s a chess match.”

Du Plessis: A Different Style of Fighting – Comparing fighting styles, it’s hard to equate Du Plessis’ approach to a chess match unless he’s playing in a chaotic environment. In his last ten fights, the South African fighter boasts an impressive 10-0 record, with eight victories coming by knockout or submission. Notably, he has secured finishes against former middleweight champions like Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker. Statistically, Du Plessis outperforms Strickland in terms of strikes landed per minute and accuracy, showcasing superior offensive wrestling skills. Nevertheless, Strickland’s work rate at UFC 297 could pose a challenge in their rematch.

Understanding Du Plessis’ Unorthodox Style – “It’s such a weird style that it’s hard to really figure out,” noted former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson during an interview. “Sometimes, I have a hard time with fighters who lack conventional skill because they can be unpredictable, throwing techniques from unexpected angles. It’s tough to fight someone like him. He employs a variety of unorthodox techniques that can catch opponents off guard.”

Mastery Through Experience: Thompson’s Insights – “And I understand where he’s coming from when people analyze his fights,” Thompson continued. “He’s acting on instinct, but it’s all rooted in his extensive training and development. Even if it seems chaotic, his striking effectively works due to years of preparation and sparring.”

Strickland’s Experience and Potential Upset – Strickland should not be underestimated, as he is a former champion and remains competitive. He has previously defeated notable fighters, including Adesanya and rising contender Nassourdine Imavov. If Strickland were to defeat Du Plessis, UFC 297 presented a prime opportunity for him. The champion’s unique style is not one that can be easily countered after just one encounter, while Strickland may be more predictable after their previous five rounds together. Although Du Plessis has vulnerabilities, his opponents have yet to exploit them effectively.

Prediction: Du Plessis wins by technical knockout

Strawweight Championship Clash: Zhang “Magnum” Weili (25-3) vs. Tatiana Suarez (10-0)

Tatiana Suarez: From TUF to Title Contender – After a successful stint on the regional circuit, Tatiana Suarez earned her spot on Season 23 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF), where she showcased her skills by dominating her opponents, including a decisive finale victory over Amanda Bobby Brundage. Expectations were high for Suarez, an Olympic hopeful, but injuries and personal challenges have limited her to only two fights in the past five years. At 34, Suarez has the chance to compete for gold after defeating top-tier opponents like former champions Jéssica Andrade and Carla Esparza.

Suarez’s Mindset: Ready for the Title Challenge – “The time is now,” Suarez stated during the UFC 312 media day. “I thought this opportunity would come years ago, but I’m excited to be here. I’m relentless in my pursuit; my gas tank is exceptional. What sets me apart is my relentlessness and superior wrestling skills. I possess a series of effective attacks, and once I gain momentum, it becomes increasingly difficult for opponents to stop me. Many think they’re safe, but suddenly, they find themselves in a choke.”

Zhang Weili: An Exciting Champion with Versatile Skills – Zhang Weili has earned a reputation as one of the most thrilling champions across all weight classes, male or female. “Magnum” has secured five post-fight performance bonuses, highlighted by her incredible five-round battle against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 248. Weili’s striking power, submission skills, and championship-level endurance make her a formidable opponent. Remarkably, she has only been outwrestled once in 11 UFC fights, during her submission victory over Carla Esparza at UFC 281. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that above-average wrestlers can take her down, while Suarez boasts a perfect takedown defense rate.

Weili vs. Suarez: A Clash of Styles – “I believe I will face Tatiana sooner or later due to her impressive track record and high ranking,” Weili told MMA Junkie. “Tatiana excels in grappling and wrestling, and I’m thrilled to compete against her in Australia. I consider her the best grappler I’ve faced. Despite her strengths, I have strategies to counter her abilities. She has faced numerous challenges, and I know she will be persistent. I don’t need to prove anyone wrong; I respect her as a fighter.”

Potential Outcomes: Weili’s Striking vs. Suarez’s Wrestling – Weili has yet to face a wrestler of Suarez’s caliber, who previously went 9-11 on takedowns against Esparza. It remains uncertain if she can handle the challenges posed by Suarez. Simultaneously, Suarez has never encountered the aggressive onslaught Weili delivers, and every fight begins standing. It’s doubtful that “Magnum” can inflict enough damage to secure a finish before Suarez finds her rhythm, likely placing the champion on her back for an extended duration.

Prediction: Suarez wins by submission

Heavyweight Showdown: Justin “Bad Man” Tafa (7-4, 1 NC) vs. Tallison “Xicao” Teixeira (7-0)

Justin Tafa: The Striker in the Heavyweight Division – Justin Tafa, much like his brother Junior, is primarily a striker, which explains his lack of takedowns or submissions in his 12 professional fights. “Bad Man” is known for engaging in striking battles, which is entertaining for fans but may not be the most strategic approach for a main card PPV event. The local audience may cheer for a fighter representing their home turf, but it’s important to note that Tafa is likely to face a formidable challenge in the form of Tallison Teixeira, a 6’7” fighter with an impressive 83” reach.

Tafa’s Perspective: Facing a New Challenge – “It’s easy to feel dominant until you face someone equally skilled,” Tafa expressed during the UFC 312 media day. “He has defeated opponents who also finished their fights. My brother was tested, and that’s what led him to victory.”

Tafa, standing at 6’ with a 74” reach, notably missed weight at UFC Vegas 45 in late 2021, marking a unique incident. While it is tempting to hype up Teixeira, who is making his Octagon debut after a victory on Dana White’s “Contender Series,” caution is warranted. Tafa’s lack of wrestling and ground game could be detrimental, especially since Teixeira has a submission victory via inverted triangle armbar.

Prediction: Teixeira wins by knockout

Light Heavyweight Clash: Jimmy “The Brute” Crute (12-4-1) vs. Rodolfo “Trator” Bellato (12-2)

Assessing Crute’s Recent Performance – While the UFC tends to feature local talents, it’s hard to overlook that Jimmy Crute hasn’t secured a victory in over four years and arguably belongs on the preliminary card. Nevertheless, Rodolfo Bellato, also a product of Dana White’s “Contender Series,” aims to showcase his skills on a prominent stage, with expectations to make a significant impact in the light heavyweight division.

Crute’s Early Success vs. Recent Struggles – Crute made an impressive entry into the UFC, achieving a first-round finish over Chris Birchler in 2018. He initially started strong with a 4-1 record but has since faced a tough stretch, with three losses and one draw in his last four outings. Alarmingly, all three defeats resulted in finishes.

Bellato’s Journey and Resilience – Bellato required two appearances on “Contender Series” to earn his UFC contract and has since showcased his abilities, including a second-round victory over Ihor Potieria at UFC Austin. “I faced serious health issues, but I never stopped training,” Bellato explained. “I believe in learning from both victories and defeats, and I’ve matured as a fighter.”

Preparation and Strategy Ahead of the Fight – “I accepted this fight with 30 days’ notice, but I’m always training, regardless of a scheduled fight,” Bellato continued. “I’m focused and ready to secure a victory, particularly since I’ll be fighting in front of an enthusiastic crowd.” Crute, known for his relentless wrestling style, averages over four takedowns per fight, which could be crucial against a powerhouse like Bellato, who possesses four submission victories, adding another layer of complexity to the matchup.

Prediction: Bellato wins by technical knockout

Welterweight Battle: Jake “The Celtic Kid” Matthews (20-7) vs. Francisco Prado (12-2)

Matthews: A Seasoned UFC Veteran – Jake Matthews has been a part of the UFC for over a decade, making his debut against Dashon Johnson at UFC Fight Night 43 in Auckland, New Zealand. While he remains unranked at 170 pounds despite competing in 20 UFC fights, his longevity in the sport is commendable. He possesses a well-rounded skill set with a mix of knockouts and submissions, though he has yet to reach championship caliber. His latest outing resulted in a unanimous decision victory over Philip Rowe at UFC 302 last June.

Prado: A Rising Talent with Potential – Francisco Prado entered the UFC with an undefeated record from the international circuit, but he has struggled to find his footing, currently holding a 1-2 record in three appearances. However, Prado, just 22 years old, has ample time to develop, and his well-rounded abilities on both the feet and ground should make for an intriguing matchup against Matthews.

Prado’s Respect for Matthews and Fight Expectations – “Matthews is a long-time UFC fighter, and maintaining that level is no easy feat; I have a lot of respect for him,” Prado stated during an interview. “I believe this fight will captivate fans. I enjoy moving forward and fighting aggressively. I don’t think he’s in his prime anymore, and I plan to demonstrate that.”

Aiming for Performance Bonuses – “My bonuses have come from my fighting style and willingness to engage,” Prado added. “I’m not here to play it safe; I aim to finish my fights. I’m chasing a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus, but if Jake proves challenging, I’m open to aiming for ‘Fight of the Night.’”

Experience vs. Youth: Analyzing the Fight Dynamics – Matthews holds advantages in height, reach, and experience. However, it’s likely that Prado may struggle to keep pace with the hometown favorite, leading to a competitive bout that maintains high energy throughout all three rounds. This assessment assumes Matthews avoids any critical mistakes that could jeopardize his performance.

Prediction: Matthews wins by unanimous decision