UFC 312 Recap: Du Plessis Dominates Strickland, Zhang Weili Eyes Flyweight Glory
UFC 312 saw Dricus Du Plessis retain his middleweight title with a commanding performance, while Zhang Weili’s dominance at strawweight has sparked talks of a move to flyweight.
UFC 312: A Night of Dominance and New Horizons
The UFC 312 event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney delivered thrilling action, with two title fights headlining a card that left fans buzzing. Dricus Du Plessis continued his reign as middleweight champion, while Zhang Weili cemented her status as one of the most dominant fighters in women’s MMA.
Dricus Du Plessis: A Fighter on the Rise
Dricus Du Plessis delivered a masterclass in his rematch against Sean Strickland, securing a unanimous decision victory and retaining his middleweight title. Du Plessis, who remains undefeated in the UFC since 2018, showcased his improved skills and fight IQ. With Khamzat Chimaev likely next in line for a title shot, Du Plessis could be on the cusp of cementing his legacy in the 185-pound division. His potential matchup with Chimaev promises to be one of the biggest fights of the year, and a win could propel him into the pound-for-pound elite. Moreover, whispers of a future clash with Alex Pereira at light heavyweight only add to the excitement surrounding his career.
Zhang Weili: Time to Conquer Flyweight?
Zhang Weili put on a clinic in her strawweight title defense against Tatiana Suarez, dominating the fight from start to finish. With her third successful title defense, Zhang has effectively cleared out the 115-pound division. Now, the conversation has shifted to whether she should move up to flyweight to pursue a second championship. A potential matchup with the winner of the Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot fight could solidify Zhang’s status as one of the greatest women in MMA history.
Australian Fighters: A Mixed Bag
The Australian contingent had a mixed night. Quillan Salkilld stole the show with a 19-second knockout, but the rest of the local fighters struggled to make an impact. UFC president Dana White has long been a vocal supporter of the Australian market, and fans will be hoping for a stronger card next time the promotion visits the region.
Final Thoughts
UFC 312 was a night of decisive victories and bold statements. Du Plessis and Zhang Weili both proved why they are at the top of their respective divisions, and their next moves could shape the landscape of the UFC in 2025 and beyond. The only question now is what challenges they will take on next.
