UFC 312: Du Plessis Dominates, Zhang Weili’s Next Move, and Local Fighters’ Mixed Night

UFC 312: Du Plessis Dominates, Zhang Weili’s Next Move, and Local Fighters’ Mixed Night

Feb 9, 2025, 02:20 AM ET – The electrifying atmosphere at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney was palpable as Dricus Du Plessis once again showcased his prowess in the octagon. In a highly anticipated rematch, Du Plessis faced off against Sean Strickland and emerged victorious, retaining his middleweight championship at UFC 312. This victory not only solidified his undefeated streak in the UFC, now standing at 9-0, but also extended his unbeaten run since October 2018.

While Du Plessis’s performance was nothing short of dominant, the road ahead promises to be even more challenging. The MMA community is abuzz with the possibility of a title defense against Khamzat Chimaev, a matchup that could define Du Plessis’s legacy in the 185-pound division. If he manages to overcome Chimaev, Du Plessis could find himself among the top five pound-for-pound fighters, and perhaps even more popular than ever before. The prospect of a future bout with Alex Pereira at light heavyweight adds another layer of intrigue to his career trajectory.

In the co-main event, Zhang Weili delivered a masterclass performance against Tatiana Suarez, retaining her strawweight championship with a dominant unanimous decision victory. Zhang’s reign at strawweight has been nothing short of spectacular, and with her recent triumph, she has effectively cleaned out the division. The question now is whether Zhang will make the move to flyweight in pursuit of a second title, joining the ranks of Amanda Nunes as a two-division champion.

For Zhang, the timing seems perfect. With victories over top contenders like Rose Namajunas, Yan Xiaonan, and Jessica Andrade, Zhang has proven her dominance at strawweight. A move to flyweight could see her face the winner of the anticipated title fight between Valentina Shevchenko and Manon Fiorot, a matchup that would undoubtedly captivate MMA fans worldwide.

Meanwhile, the night began on a high note for local fighters with Quillan Salkilld delivering a stunning 19-second TKO victory. However, the rest of the card was less favorable for fighters from Oceania, with only a few managing to secure wins. The local crowd, though enthusiastic, was left wanting more from their homegrown talent.

Despite the mixed results, the Australian fans turned out in droves, filling the arena and creating an electric atmosphere. The UFC’s partnership with the New South Wales government has brought the sport to the forefront in the region, but fans are eager for a lineup that features more of their local stars in action, rather than in the audience.

• Du Plessis remains undefeated in the UFC with a 9-0 record.
• Zhang Weili retains her strawweight championship with a dominant performance.
• Quillan Salkilld delivers a 19-second TKO victory in his UFC debut.

As the UFC continues to expand its global reach, the demand for high-caliber events in Australia is clear. With the potential for future matchups involving Du Plessis, Zhang, and other top fighters, the stage is set for more thrilling nights of MMA action down under.