Du Plessis Dominates Strickland to Retain UFC Middleweight Crown at UFC 312

Unanimous Victory in Sydney

South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis solidified his status as one of the top middleweights in the UFC with a decisive unanimous decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia. The judges scored the bout 50-45, 50-45, and 49-46, all in favor of du Plessis, who retained his middleweight title for the second time.

Domination from Start to Finish

From the opening bell, du Plessis showcased his superior striking and cardio, consistently landing the more significant shots. Strickland, known for his jab and front kicks, struggled to find his rhythm against the relentless pressure of the champion. Du Plessis mixed up his strikes effectively, landing powerful combinations and punishing kicks that kept Strickland on the defensive.

In the fourth round, a devastating right hand from du Plessis appeared to break Strickland’s nose, leaving the challenger bloodied but determined to finish the fight. Despite his toughness, Strickland was unable to mount any significant offense, with du Plessis controlling the pace until the final bell.

Post-Fight Ambitions

After the fight, du Plessis confidently declared his place among the pound-for-pound elite, stating, 'I am a top three pound-for-pound fighter as of tonight, and I’m coming for that number one spot.' He also took a jab at former middleweight champion Alex Pereira, hinting at a potential future matchup.

Weili Defends Strawweight Title

In the co-main event, China’s Zhang Weili defended her strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez, ending the American’s undefeated streak in emphatic fashion. Weili, a two-time champion, showcased her versatility and skill, out-striking and out-grappling Suarez en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Suarez, initially the favorite, managed an early takedown but was quickly neutralized by Weili’s superior ground game. The champion dominated the later rounds, landing significant strikes and avoiding any serious threats from Suarez.

Weili’s victory marked her third successful defense of her second reign, further cementing her legacy as one of the greatest strawweights in UFC history.

What’s Next?

With du Plessis and Weili both securing dominant victories, the middleweight and strawweight divisions are set for exciting matchups in the near future. Fans can expect du Plessis to continue his pursuit of the pound-for-pound crown, while Weili looks to extend her reign as strawweight queen.