More than a year has passed since Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland met for the first time, a bout that left everyone wanting more. On that occasion, the South African du Plessis managed to strip Strickland of his title, maintaining his undefeated record and confirming his contender status. Now, at UFC 312, the two fighters will meet again in a rematch that promises to be even more intense.
Day: Saturday, February 8
Time: 11 p.m. Dominican Republic time
Arena: Qudos Bank
Location: Sydney, Australia
For a moment, it looked like Strickland would deliver the most memorable blow of the press conference, but it all ended in a mockery of du Plessis' awkward fighting style and, at the same time, praise for it.
Despite the mutual respect the two have shown for each other after their first 25-minute showdown, they have not shied away from exchanging a few words of rivalry, especially at the recent press conference. Although at one point it looked like Strickland might leave a memorable physical mark, he only ended up mocking du Plessis' fighting style, while at the same time sparing no praise for him.
Technical Data
| Sean Strickland | Dricus du Plessis | |
| 29-6-0 | Record | 22-2-0 |
| United States | Country | South Africa |
| 6'1" | Height | 6'1" |
| 185 lbs | Weight | 185 lbs |
| 76 in | Scope | 76 in |
| 41.5 in | Kick | 43 |
"We're going to put on a war for you fans, and that's a promise we can both make" @SStricklandMMA #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/E2gBVbGtsj
- UFC English (@UFCEspanol) February 6, 2025
Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez - Women's Strawweight Title at Stake
In another of the most anticipated fights of the night, China's Zhang Weili will defend her women's strawweight title against American Tatiana Suarez.
Since suffering back-to-back belt losses to Rose Namajunas in 2021, Zhang (25-3) has come back strong. She knocked out former champion Joanna Jedrzejczyk, overcame Carla Esparza to regain the belt and, last year, dominated Amanda Lemos and Yan Xiaonan in unanimous decisions.
For her part, Tatiana Suarez comes into this fight with an inspiring story. After beating cancer and overcoming great adversity, she now has the opportunity to be crowned UFC champion. She is ready to prove that Saturday will be another day for her in the octagon.
Forecasts
Dricus du Plessis is the big favorite to retain the title and maintain his streak with a -210 odds against +165 of Sean Strickland.
The total is set at 4.5 with "More than" -195 and "Less than" +154.
On her side, Tatiana Suarez is the favorite to win with -135 to Weili Zhang's +105.
The total is set at 2.5 with "More than" -215 and "Less than" +168.
Remember that the lines are dynamic and constantly changing - don't miss these fights that promise to define the future of the UFC!
