The UFC returns to Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday, August 2, 2025, for UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, a stacked 13-bout Pay-Per-View event headlined by a middleweight grudge match and a strawweight title war that promises fireworks. With two championship bouts, rising stars, and heavyweight slugfests, this is a card no MMA fan can afford to miss.
Main Event: UFC Middleweight Championship – Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs. Sean Strickland 2
The bitter rivalry between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland reaches its boiling point in this highly anticipated rematch. Du Plessis narrowly edged Strickland in their first clash via split decision, but Strickland’s relentless pressure and razor-sharp boxing left fans demanding a sequel. Du Plessis, the South African powerhouse, brings unorthodox striking and suffocating grappling, while Strickland’s “walk-forward” style and granite chin make him a nightmare matchup. With both men swearing to leave no doubt, expect a blood-soaked battle for the 185-pound throne.
Co-Main Event: UFC Strawweight Championship – Weili Zhang (c) vs. Tatiana Suarez
China’s Weili Zhang, the reigning strawweight queen, faces her toughest test yet in undefeated wrestling phenom Tatiana Suarez. Zhang’s explosive striking and improved takedown defense will clash with Suarez’s Olympic-level grappling and suffocating top control. Suarez, a cancer survivor, has bulldozed through the division, but Zhang’s knockout power and championship experience could prove decisive. Will Suarez’s grappling smother the champ, or will Zhang’s fists keep the belt in China?
Main Card Breakdown
Heavyweight 265 Lbs: Tallison Teixeira vs. Justin Tafa
Brazil’s Tallison Teixeira (8-1), a dynamic striker with lethal knees, takes on Aussie fan favorite Justin Tafa (7-3), whose left hand carries nuclear power. Teixeira’s Muay Thai pedigree clashes with Tafa’s brawling style. Expect a first-round knockout – someone’s going to sleep.
Light Heavyweight 205 Lbs: Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato
Australia’s Jimmy Crute (14-4-1), a submission threat with heavy hands, faces Brazil’s Rodolfo Bellato (12-2), a Contender Series alum with vicious ground-and-pound. Crute’s hometown advantage vs. Bellato’s aggression – who blinks first?
Welterweight 170 Lbs: Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado
Sydney’s own Jake Matthews (19-7) brings veteran savvy against Argentina’s rising star Francisco Prado (12-1). Prado’s wild aggression and power punches could overwhelm Matthews, but the Aussie’s grappling and cardio might grind out a decision.
The Prelims
Featherweight 145 Lbs: Jack Jenkins vs. Gabriel Santos
Featherweight prospects collide! Jack Jenkins (12-3) uses crisp boxing and takedowns, while Gabriel Santos (11-2) brings flashy kicks and submission chops. A potential Fight of the Night dark horse.
Lightweight 155 Lbs: Tom Nolan vs. Viacheslav Borshchev
Aussie knockout artist Tom Nolan (8-1) meets Russian sniper Viacheslav Borshchev (8-3-1). Fireworks guaranteed.
Female Flyweight 125 Lbs: Cong Wang vs. Bruna Brasil
Flyweight firecrackers! China’s Cong Wang (7-2) faces Brazil’s Bruna Brasil (9-3-1). Wang’s judo throws vs. Brasil’s Muay Thai – a stylistic thriller.
Bantamweight 135 Lbs: Aleksandre Topuria vs. Colby Thicknesse
Aleksandre Topuria (6-0), brother of Ilia, aims to keep his record pristine against Aussie wrestler Colby Thicknesse (10-2).
Lightweight 155 Lbs: Kody Steele vs. Rongzhu
China’s Rongzhu (24-5) brings veteran savvy against American wildman Kody Steele (9-1). Steele’s power vs. Rongzhu’s technique.
Welterweight 170 Lbs: Kevin Jousset vs. Jonathan Micallef
Welterweight chess match! France’s Kevin Jousset (10-2) uses slick grappling against Australia’s Jonathan Micallef (8-1).
Lightweight 155 Lbs: Quillan Salkilld vs. Anshul Jubli
India’s Anshul Jubli (8-1) returns against Aussie striker Quillan Salkilld (7-2). Jubli’s grappling could dominate.
Flyweight 125 Lbs: Hyun Sung Park vs. N. Tumendemberel
South Korea’s Hyun Sung Park (8-1) faces Mongolia’s N. Tumendemberel (6-2). Park’s speed vs. Tumendemberel’s power.
UFC 312 is a globetrotting spectacle with title drama, hometown heroes, and guaranteed violence. From the championship rematch to the undercard sleepers, this Sydney showdown is a MUST-WATCH. Tune in August 2 – history will be made!
Don’t miss UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 – LIVE on Pay-Per-View!