UFC 312 Brings Championship Rematches to Australia

UFC 312

The UFC is set to electrify Sydney, Australia, with UFC 312 on February 9, 2024. Fans can look forward to a thrilling championship doubleheader at Qudos Bank Arena, headlined by two much-anticipated title fights. Dricus du Plessis defends his middleweight crown in a rematch against Sean Strickland, while strawweight champion Zhang Weili faces long-time contender Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event.

UFC 312 Doubleheader Features Du Plessis and Zhang

Du Plessis (22-2), riding high on an unbeaten 8-0 UFC record, captured the middleweight title in January at UFC 297 with a split-decision victory over Strickland. The South African fighter has showcased his dominance by defeating elite opponents like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, the latter succumbing to a fourth-round submission at UFC 305. Strickland (29-6), however, is determined to reclaim the belt. Known for his gritty fighting style, the Californian stunned fans with a decisive win over Adesanya at UFC 293, marking one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

In the co-main event, strawweight queen Zhang Weili (25-3) defends her title against Tatiana Suarez (10-0). Zhang, a two-time champion, has solidified her reign with decisive victories over Amanda Lemos and Yan Xiaonan. Her submission win over Carla Esparza in 2022 marked her return to the top, reaffirming her as one of the division’s most formidable fighters.

For Suarez, the UFC 312 fight represents years of anticipation. The undefeated contender, often hailed as a champion in waiting, has overcome numerous injuries to secure her place in this title bout. With notable stoppage wins over former champions like Alexa Grasso and Jessica Andrade, Suarez’s grappling prowess will test Zhang’s resilience in what promises to be an explosive contest.

UFC 312 not only marks the return of high-stakes action to Australia but also sets the stage for fighters to solidify their legacies. As du Plessis and Zhang seek to defend their titles, challengers Strickland and Suarez aim to etch their names in the annals of UFC history. This event is shaping up to be a must-watch for MMA fans worldwide.