UFC 312: A Night of Dominance and Disappointment
Feb 9, 2025, 02:20 AM ET – The atmosphere at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney was electric as fans gathered to witness UFC 312, a night that promised thrilling fights and potential upsets. The main event saw Dricus Du Plessis once again proving his mettle by defeating Sean Strickland for the second time. This time, Du Plessis dominated to retain his middleweight championship, solidifying his position as a formidable force in the division.
Du Plessis’s victory at UFC 312 marks his ninth consecutive win in the UFC, maintaining an undefeated streak since October 2018. However, the road to becoming one of the greatest fighters in the 185-pound division is still long. The next challenge on the horizon is expected to be Khamzat Chimaev, a fight that could define Du Plessis’s legacy.
In the co-main event, Zhang Weili showcased her dominance by defeating Tatiana Suarez to retain her strawweight championship. Zhang’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, leaving many to wonder if a move to flyweight to chase a title in a second division is in her future.
The night began on a high note for local fighters with Quillan Salkilld securing a 19-second TKO win. However, the excitement was short-lived as the other seven fighters from Oceania on the card delivered disappointing performances.
Du Plessis: A Rising Star in the UFC
While Du Plessis’s victory over Strickland was expected, it sets the stage for a potentially groundbreaking year. With a possible title defense against Chimaev, Du Plessis could find himself in one of the biggest fights of the year. A win there might elevate him to a top-five pound-for-pound fighter and increase his popularity significantly. The prospect of facing Alex Pereira at light heavyweight is also on the table, a challenge Du Plessis seems eager to take on.
There’s even talk of Du Plessis fighting in South Africa by the end of 2025, although the logistics make it a long shot. Nevertheless, the UFC and Du Plessis are keen on making it happen. With the potential to fight three times this year, Du Plessis is a name to watch closely.
Zhang Weili: Time to Conquer New Heights
Zhang Weili’s victory over Suarez was a masterclass in dominance. Expected to be a tough challenge, Suarez was unable to match Zhang’s skill and experience. Zhang’s reign as strawweight champion has been impressive, and with no clear contenders left, a move to flyweight seems like the logical next step.
Joining the ranks of Amanda Nunes as a two-division champion is within reach for Zhang. Her potential matchup against the winner of the expected title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot could be a defining moment in her career.
Local Fighters: A Mixed Bag of Results
The Australian fans turned out in droves, but the fights didn’t quite live up to expectations. While Quillan Salkilld’s knockout was a highlight, the rest of the local fighters struggled to make an impact. The absence of big names like Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya was felt, as they were present but not competing.
Despite the lackluster performances, the UFC’s commitment to the Australian market remains strong. With future events on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a more star-studded lineup next time.
- Du Plessis remains undefeated in the UFC with a 9-0 record.
- Zhang Weili retains her strawweight championship with a dominant performance.
- Quillan Salkilld secures a 19-second TKO win in his UFC debut.
As the dust settles on UFC 312, the focus shifts to what lies ahead for these fighters. With potential blockbuster matchups and title defenses on the horizon, the excitement in the world of MMA continues to build.
Originally Written by: ESPN.com
