411’s UFC 312 Report: Du Plessis Beats Strickland

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)
(c) Dricus du Plessis (185 lbs.) vs. #1 Sean Strickland (185 lbs.) – for middleweight title
(c) Zhang Weili (115 lbs.) vs. #1 Tatiana Suarez (114.5 lbs.) – for women’s strawweight title
Justin Tafa (266 lbs.) vs. Tallison Teixeira (263 lbs.)
Rodolfo Bellato (205 lbs.) vs. Jimmy Crute (206 lbs.)
Jake Matthews (170.5 lbs.) vs. Francisco Prado (170.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPNews/Disney+, 8 p.m. ET)
Jack Jenkins (146 lbs.) vs. Gabriel Santos (145.5 lbs.)
Viacheslav Borshchev (156 lbs.) vs. Tom Nolan (155.5 lbs.)
Bruna Brasil (125.5 lbs.) vs. Wang Cong (125 lbs.)
Colby Thicknesse (135.5 lbs.) vs. Aleksandre Topuria (135.5 lbs.)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6:30 p.m. ET)
Kody Steele (156 lbs.) vs. Rong Zhu (156 lbs.)
Kevin Jousset (171 lbs.) vs. Jonathan Micallef (170 lbs.)
Anshul Jubli (155.5 lbs.) vs. Quillan Salkilld (156 lbs.)

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Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE UFC 312 coverage, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host for the event. The UFC is back in Australia and this PPV has two title fights at the top, but almost nothing else of value to be found. In the main event we’ve got a rematch for the middleweight title, champion Dricus du Plessis tries for his second title defense as he takes on the man he beat to become champion in Sean Strickland. In the co-main event Zhang Weili looks to extend her dominance at strawweight against Tatiana Suarez, Suarez is someone a lot of us expected to get to the title level but injury and illness have plagued her career to the point where the matchmakers just threw up their hands and shoved her into a title fight despite having pulled out of her last two fights and her last fight being in August of 2023. Beyond that things get pretty poor, Justin Tafa being next down on the card is never a good sign and he’s taking on a debutant. Jake Matthews is going have a bit of a crossroads fight against Francisco Prado, I’m usually down to watch Jack Jenkins fight, Wang Cong is trying to rebound from a loss she wasn’t expected to take, and the novelty of Ilia Topuria’s brother making his UFC debut are about all that this card has going for it. It’s a really weak PPV card, but the title fights are solid bouts and we can hope that the action delivers for the rest of the card.

UFC 312 comes to the world from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Michael Bisping will provide commentary. Keep in mind we’ve got the bigger cage plus I believe we’ve got the newer rules but I’ll have to see if the broadcast corrects that given that I’m unsure if Australia has adopted the new definition of a downed fighter and unbanned 12-6 elbows.

Quillan Salkilld brings a seven fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he looks to extend that while making good on his only chance at a first impression. Anshul Jubli has gone 1-1 in the UFC, he’s coming off of a loss which was one of the funnier losses I’ve seen as he had the fight pretty well in hand through the first two rounds but then fell apart when his opponent began barking and trash talking him in the third leading to a finish. That fight was in October of 2023 and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. Salkilld is a pretty heft favorite at -520 to Jubli’s +390.

Lightweight Bout: Anshul Jubli (7-1, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Quillan Salkilld (7-1, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Salkilld has a significant six inches of reach advantage. Some early jabs from Salkilld then a calf kick. Jubli eats a right hand, gets floored and the ref jumps in.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Quillan Salkilld via TKO, punch, at :19 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Salkilld for his work. Mic time for Salkilld, he has no words for this moment and calls this whole thing perfect to get a finish that quickly in his UFC debut here in Sydney. He talks through the finish, noting that Jubli tends to have his lead hand out and that opens up the counter right. He then makes the case for a post fight bonus to close.

Jubli is unhappy with that stoppage, he was trying to wrestle up but he also didn’t do much right after going down and when you just curl up like that a ref is more likely to get involved. This isn’t the best stoppage in the world but looking at how Jubli dropped I can see it.

KO IN 19 SECONDS 🤯

QUILLAN SALKILLD MAKES A STATEMENT IN HIS UFC DEBUT 💥#UFC312 pic.twitter.com/hgx8eZ7s52

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 8, 2025

Jonathan Micallef brings a two fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to make a good first impression on the audience here. Kevin Jousset has gone 2-1 in the UFC but is coming off of a loss, he’s trying to bounce back and avoid his first ever losing streak. The odds are with Jousset at -240 while a Micallef win pays out at +195.

Welterweight Bout: Kevin Jousset (10-3, 171 lbs.) vs. Jonathan Micallef (7-1, 170 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Jousset is two inches taller while Micallef has two inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Southpaw for Micallef. A lot of pressure from Jousset early, Micallef then lands a left hand and a body kick. Jousset has a few high kicks blocked then lands a body kick. They trade body kicks then Jousset lands a left hook. They trade power hand punches. Another body kick from Micallef then Jousset lands a left hook. Jousset lands a body kick. Jousset is starting to pull and counter now, Micallef’s right eye is starting to swell up a bit. Front kick from Jousset then an inside leg kick. Left hook from Jousset but Micallef gets a clinch and they trade in close before separating. Jousset complains of a low kick, no ref reaction so Micallef kicks him in the head and drops him but Jousset is able to fight back up and clocks Micallef with a right hand. Left hand from Micallef. Jousset lands a right to the body. Micallef lands another body kick but eats a counter punch. A few more kicks from Micallef close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Micallef

ROUND TWO: Jousset’s body is all marked up after that first round. They touch gloves again. One two from Micallef. Jousset lands a left hook then a body kick. Bit of a right from Jousset. Glancing head kick from Jousset. Both men fall short with some punches. You know if either of them starts using oblique kicks with the volume of back leg kicks they’re throwing they could mess up a knee joint real easy. Micallef lands another body kick. Bit of a high kick from Jousset. Micallef lands a left hand. Micallef is starting to flow now, he’s not that worried about Jousset’s fire power. Bit of a one two from Jousset. Jousset lands a body kick. Micallef lands another left hand. Glancing head kick from Micallef. Again that glancing high kick from Micallef. They trade body kicks then Jousset lands an inside leg kick. They trade punches in close. Jousset is just a bit out gunned on the feet, but he does land a few body kicks. A bit of a question mark kick from Micallef closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Micallef but a closer one, 20-18 Micallef overall

ROUND THREE: Jousset with a body kick to start the round. Seriously, I’m begging either guy to throw some side kicks to the knee, it’ll alter the kicks coming back at them. Micallef lands a body kick. Another body kick from Micallef. Jousset lands a right hand. Jousset with a body kick. Jab from Micallef then Jousset lands a right hand. Jousset is marching Micallef down at this point and lands a body kick. Right to the body from Jousset. They both miss punches. Knee from Micallef in close. Micallef lands a bit of a high kick then a body kick. Solid right hand from Jousset. Micallef lands a few jabs but he’s mostly trying not to get stopped. Counter right from Jousset. They trade in close but nothing comes of the clinch. Short right from Jousset. Micallef lands a body kick. Jousset tries to blitz forward but wont find much before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jousset, 29-28 Micallef overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jonathan Micallef via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

Mic time for Micallef, he puts over Jousset and says he’s still improving as a fighter and promises to deliver even more in the future. His left foot is visibly swelling up and he says he can’t feel it yet but knows it’s going to be quite sore tomorrow.

Rongzhu dropped his return bout to the UFC in September of last year, he’s looking to get his first UFC win since 2021 under his belt here. Kody Steele is undefeated and has a pretty decorated grappling career behind him, now he’s looking to score a memorable win in his UFC debut. Steele closed at -405 to Rong’s +270.

Lightweight Bout: Kody Steele (7-0, 156 lbs.) vs. Rong Zhu (25-6, 156 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches. They touch gloves to get us going. Rongzhu looks to keep his lead hand working early. Rongzhu with a front kick. Some level feints form Steele then he lands a calf kick. Another calf kick from Steele. Rongzhu is not biting on the feints from Steele so Steele throws a right hand which is mostly blocked. Body jab from Steele then he hits a double leg off of the fence and gets on top. Rongzhu with a headlock sweep to get on top then he scrambles free. Bit of a right from Steele. Steele lands a right hand. Rongzhu lands a calf kick. Left hook from Rongzhu in close. Bit of a one two from Steele. They trade rights, both men are just looking to swing bombs at this point but Rongzhu’s defense is better. Rongzhu defends a double leg. They both land in close again. Steele stuns Rongzhu with a right hand and lands a knee but Rongzhu recovers and cracks him with a left hook. Both men land punches again but Rongzhu is getting the better of this. One two from Rongzhu. Uppercut from Steele. Rongzhu lands a left hook. They trade in close again to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rongzhu

ROUND TWO: Calf kick from Rongzhu to start the round. Stiff jab from Rongzhu hurts Steele, he looks to follow him down but Steele ties up a leg and looks for an entanglement then inverts under and continues tying up the legs. Eventually Rongzhu is able to pull his leg free and they reset on the feet. Steele avoids a few punches. Steele lands a jab. Rongzhu jabs the body then lands a left hook. Right to the body from Steele but Rongzhu lands a counter left hook. Double jab from Rongzhu. Rongzhu with a left hook. Both men land in close again. Right hand then a left hook from Rongzhu. They trade a few jabs. Rongzhu avoids a single leg to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rongzhu, 20-18 Rongzhu overall

ROUND THREE: They hug for the last round. A few jabs go back and forth. Bit of a right from Steele. Rongzhu jabs the body. Bit of a left hook in close from Steele. Rongzhu lands a combination of punches. A few jabs again go back and forth. Bit of a right from Rongzhu. Steele is just a few steps behind in the striking thus far and Rongzhu is getting the better of him. A few body shots from Steele land, that’s the kind of thing you need to be landing much earlier in a fight. Rongzhu lands a jab. Left hand from Rongzhu. More jabs from Rongzhu. Rongzhu just can’t miss right now and any time Steele enters the pocket he’s eating several punches. Steele lands a jab. Rongzhu avoids a right hand and does some dancing, he’s feeling very good. Steele swings a few hooks but they’re blocked. They start swinging and both men land to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Rongzhu, 30-27 Rongzhu overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Rongzhu via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Man the odds makers are not having a good night so far. Mic time for Rongzhu and the translator, he feels good after that mini war then thanks all of his coaches and puts over Steele as they used to train together.

THEY WERE SWINGING FOR THE LAST 10 SECONDS OF THE FIGHT 😳 #UFC312 pic.twitter.com/IWhKM8JrFe

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) February 9, 2025

Aleksandre Topuria is the brother of featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, he’s bringing a three fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’ll be looking to add to his families success in the promotion. Colby Thicknesse is undefeated coming into his UFC debut and he’s trying to spoil Topuria’s debut by making his own a successful one. The odds are with Topuria at -305 but given how relatively junior both men are in their careers the +245 comeback on Thicknesse might tempt a few bettors out there.

Bantamweight Bout: Colby Thicknesse (7-0, 135.5 lbs.) vs. Aleksandre Topuria (5-1, 135.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Thicknesse has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Some early stance switching from Thicknesse as Topuria looks to talks him towards the fence. I’m also calling BS on these two being the same height, Thicknesse seems much taller. Bit of a right from Topuria. Thicknesse tries to get his jab going, Topuria lands a right to the body. Another right to the body from Topuria. Thicknesse lands a left hook. Topuria jabs the body. Bit of a right from Topuria. Thicknesse lands an elbow but they tie up and Topuria pushes him into the fence. Body shot from Topuria then Thicknesse fires a knee as they break. Hard right hand from Topuria, Thicknesse is hurt and Topuria sprawls on a takedown then spins to the ride. A few short punches from Topuria land as Thicknesse stands then they break. More pressure from Topuria, he’s trying to find the right bit of timing rather than spamming offense. Thicknesse has some kicks blocked. Topuria lands to the body again then lands punches in close and hits a lovely German suplex to get into the ride position as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Topuria

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. Topuria lands a calf kick. Thicknesse lands an inside leg kick, he’s trying to get back to being loose and elusive. Topuria jabs the body. Bit of a high kick from Thicknesse. Topuria misses a wheel kick but lands a right to the body. Some head movement from Topuria, he’s making Thicknesse miss a lot with the punches. Calf kick from Topuria. Bit of a counter right from Topuria. A few more body jabs from Topuria then a calf kick. Thicknesse misses a few punches but he’s starting to put some heat on these. They clinch up then Topuria breaks free but eats a punch. Calf kick from Thicknesse. Topuria lands a jab then a calf kick. That left leg of Thicknesse is starting to bother him. Knee from Topuria in close. Right hand from Thicknesse. Topuria is maybe being a little too measured at this point and Thicknesse is fighting his way back into this with just activity. Right uppercut from Topuria lands. Thicknesse tries a takedown, Topuria defends then they reset. Bit of a right from Topuria. A right hand from Topuria closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Thicknesse but could go either way, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Body kick from Thicknesse. Topuria avoids a takedown and moves to the ride. Thicknesse scoots to the fence and wall walks into a clinch. Topuria is still on the back of Thicknesse and fires a few knees but mostly this is about control. Eventually they break and reset. Topuria avoids some punches. Thicknesse lands a right hand. Uppercut from Topuria then he grabs a front headlock and moves to the ride again. Thicknesse tries a kimura roll but Topuria spins around it and gets on top in side control. After a second or two Thicknesse this able to hip escape and get full guard. A few body shots from Topuria. Topuria passes to half guard through a rubber guard attempt. Thicknesse moves to his knees, Topuria scoots to the ride and has the back as they stand. Thicknesse tries to roll under for a leg, that was not a great decision, and Topuria gets back on top in full guard. More punches from Topuria as he out wrestles Thicknesse to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Topuria, 29-28 Topuria overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Aleksandre Topuria via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Topuria gets an interview with the translator which might not be necessary, he feel good after the win and talks about how he likes to mix the martial arts. He felt ready for any scenario that was going to come up.

Wang Cong suffered her first MMA loss in her last fight, while that certainly messed with her hype a little bit it’s still present and she’s looking to get things back on track with a performance more in line with her UFC debut when she scored a first round knockout win. Bruna Brasil has gone 2-2 in the UFC but she is coming off of a win and is trying to get her first UFC winning streak up and running here. Wang is your favorite at -325 to +260 on Brasil.

Women’s Flyweight Bout: Bruna Brasil (10-4-1, 125.5 lbs.) vs. Wang Cong (6-1, 125 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Wang has an inch of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get us going. Calf kick from Wang. Brasil shows a few calf kicks of her own. Bit of a leg kick from Wang. Brasil checks a leg kick. They trade rights. A few jabs go back and forth. Glancing right from Wang but Brasil landed a calf kick. Right to the body from Wang. Calf kick from Wang. Brasil avoids a head kick. Side kick from Wang. Inside and outside leg kicks from Wang mostly land. Bit of a right from Wang. Brasil has started showing some stance switches. Bit of a calf kick from Wang then a front kick. Wang avoids a wheel kick and gets a takedown then lands a right hand to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wang

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves again. They both avoid some leg kicks. Bit of a side kick from Wang. Solid right hand from Wang then a right to the body. Wang is starting to open up a bit now, not recklessly but she’s being a bit more active this round. Another right hand from Wang then a calf kick behind it. A lot more southpaw from Brasil this round and Wang is happy to kick either leg. Another calf kick from Wang. Wang with another calf kick, Brasil is starting to swing a little wild after those land. Bit of a side kick from Wang. Calf kick but Brasil but she eats a counter right hand. Wang with a bit of a left hand as she’s getting Brasil along the fence. Right to the body from Wang then a right hand up top, that body work is getting to Brasil now. A hard calf kick from Wang closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wang, 20-18 Wang overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. A bit more forward motion from Brasil this round, and Wang shows some side kicks towards the face. Body jab from Wang. Right to the body from Wang, her body work was adding up at the end of the last round so we’ll see if she goes back to it. Glancing right hand from Wang. Wang with a one two. Another right to the body from Wang. Side kick from Wang then Brasil lands a counter right. Wang still keeps up the pressure and lands a side kick to the head. Wang lands a calf kick then avoids a clinch. Inside leg kick from Wang. Wang lands a right to the body then a glancing head kick. Both women block body kicks. Knee from Wang in close as she avoids a clinch. Right to the body from Wang. Brasil keeps trying to throw a counter right hand but she’s mistiming it. Front kick from Wang. Bit of a wheel kick from Brasil. Wang lands a left hook then hits a takedown and ends the round on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Wang, 30-27 Wang overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Wang Cong via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Wang needed to rebuild after her last loss and this went a good way towards doing that. No interview for the winner.

Tom Nolan has gone 2-1 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he showed up with a decent amount of hype and has been rebuilding it after losing his UFC debut. A win here for Nolan would show he’s pretty much found his footing at this level of competition and he might be ready for a step up in class. Viacheslav Borshchev has gone 3-1-1 in the UFC and most recently got a slightly controversial split decision win, now he’s trying for his first UFC winning streak. Close one here, -120 on Borshchev to +100 for Nolan.

Lightweight Bout: Viacheslav Borshchev (8-4-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Tom Nolan (8-1, 155.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Nolan has four inches of height and reach over Borshchev and is nine years younger. They touch gloves, Nolan is fighting southpaw. A few kicks from Nolan, just probing distance. Nolan lands a body kick. Borshchev looks to feint his way into boxing range. Inside leg kick from Nolan. Nolan lands a body kick then tries a takedown but Borshchev defends and they separate. Front kick from Nolan. They punch into a clinch then Nolan pushes things into the fence and slips to the back. A knee from Nolan, then he jumps for the backpack position and gets one hook in. Elbows from Nolan, Borshchev slips down to his back and shrimps in to get half guard and avoid more elbows. Nolan is after an anaconda choke but switches towards a ninja choke. Borshchev is able to defend and stand but ate an elbow as they got up. Nolan with a front kick then an inside leg kick. Borshchev lands an inside leg kick. Head kick from Nolan lands but Borshchev just eats it. One two from Nolan lands. Spinning back kick from Nolan partially lands. Another high kick from Nolan mostly lands. Borshchev lands a left hand in close. Both men land punches in close. Borshchev avoids a spinning back fist. Right to the body from Borshchev. Nolan blocks a high kick then lands a body kick. Takedown from Nolan, Borshchev defends though. Glancing wheel kick from Nolan. Borshchev barely avoids an intercepting knee. Nolan avoids a spinning attack then misses a head kick to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nolan

ROUND TWO: Nolan back to showing kicks as the round begins. Borshchev shows some side kicks to the knee. Spinning elbow from Nolan mostly lands then a front kick behind it. Borshchev jabs the body. Nolan chops some inside leg kicks home then they both land in close. Right hand from Borshchev. Head kick from Nolan partially lands. Elbow from Nolan. They split jabs then Borshchev lands a body kick. Nolan lands a front kick. Borshchev lands a right hand. Nolan lands a jab then an inside leg kick. Solid left hand from Nolan. Nolan lands a body kick. Borshchev misses a few punches then eats a back elbow but lands an uppercut in response. Double leg from Nolan against the fence and he’s got Borshchev down. Nolan lands punches, Borshchev sits up but Nolan grabs a front choke and pulls him back down to get on top in north-south. Eventually Borshchev fights up and they both punch as they break. Nolan lands a left hand. They trade power hand punches. Knee from Nolan. Borshchev lands a body kick. Counter left from Nolan lands. Borshchev tries a few spinning kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nolan, 20-18 Nolan overall

ROUND THREE: They hug before the final round officially starts. Nolan shows kicks again. Borshchev with a body kick. Nolan with a high kick then a one two. They trade punches again then Nolan lands a body kick. Borshchev fights off a takedown but eats a couple of up kicks from Nolan before stepping back, Nolan fires a head kick from his back. Borshchev is trying leg kicks but the ref stands them up. Bit of a high kick from Nolan. Borshchev avoids a spinning back fist. Bit of a spinning attack from Nolan then he lands a head kick. Inside leg kick from Nolan strays into the groin so we’ve got a time out. Replay confirms that one, Borshchev only takes 30 seconds though and we’re back to fighting. They trade punches in close, Nolan is doing better work and lands a knee as well. Borshchev avoids a double leg but goes into the guard this time. Nolan has to roll to his knees to then recapture guard and he lands some short elbows from his back. Borshchev lands a couple of punches but he’s getting out struck here. Up kick from Nolan lands once Borshchev stands, Borshchev goes back into his half guard and they resume swing at each other on the mat. Nolan just keeps throwing elbows from his back. Borshchev lands some punches to the body and head. Borshchev drops for a leg lock, nothing there though as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Nolan but a close one, 30-27 Nolan overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tom Nolan via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Fun little fight. Nolan gets an interview and he puts over Borshchev pretty hard and is very happy to have been able to have a fight like this with him. He talks us through some highlights and notes he wanted to prove to himself that he can fight on the feet and then puts over his coaches for their work.

Jack Jenkins has gone 3-1 in the UFC with his lone loss being an arm injury against Chepe Mariscal, he’s trying to build another winning streak here and solidify himself as a prospect of note in the division. Gabriel Santos has gone just 1-2 in the UFC but he did win his last fight and now looks to get his first UFC winning streak up and running. The odds are with Santos at -230 while that +190 comeback on Jenkins is a very tempting value bet.

Featherweight Bout: Jack Jenkins (13-3, 146 lbs.) vs. Gabriel Santos (11-2, 145.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Santos has two inches of height and reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Santos opens southpaw. Both men do some feinting early. Bit of a body kick from Jenkins. Some stance switching from Santos but he still seems to prefer southpaw. Body kick from Jenkins. Jenkins lands an inside leg kick. Bit of a left from Jenkins. Santos lands a front kick. A head kick from Jenkins floors Santos, he gets on top but Santos is able to get full guard. Punches from Jenkins now, Santos tries a triangle choke and it’s pretty tight. This one is dangerous and locked in, Jenkins seems composed and works to try and angle free then gets out of the lock. Jenkins fires a few punches as they scoot towards the fence. Santos wall walks but eats a knee as they clinch up. Jenkins keeps throwing knees to the body. They break with a left hook from Jenkins. Both men land punches then Santos hits a takedown into half guard. Not much happening here, Santos lands a bit of an elbow which will close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Jenkins

ROUND TWO: Jenkins lands a body kick to open the round. Santos misses a head kick of his own. Another body kick from Jenkins. Jenkins fights off a takedown then they trade lefts. Right uppercut from Jenkins. Santos lands a front kick then Jenkins lands a glancing head kick. Body kick from Jenkins then they trade punches in close. Jenkins pushes into a clinch but Santos spins him into the fence. They trade some knees then Santos hits a bit of a lateral drop to get on top in full guard. Santos passes to half guard. A few short elbows from Santos land. Jenkins gets full guard back then Santos lands an elbow. Some decent ground and pound from Santos, nothing debilitating but he’s staying busy. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Santos, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Froward pressure from Santos now, he seems to have more energy. Front kick to the face from Santos. Jenkins stays upright but Santos gets him to the fence and gets to his back in the backpack position. Santos starts fishing for the choke and forces things to the mat. The body triangle for Santos is really giving Jenkins problems. Some punches from Santos then he gets the choke in and that’ll do it.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Gabriel Santos via Submission, rear naked choke, at 2:06 of Round 3

The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Santos for his work. Mic time for Santos and the translator, he gives glory to God then thanks his team and family for their support.

Jake Matthews has been with the UFC since 2014, most recently he’s been trading wins and losses while going 3-3 in his last six fights but he’s coming off of a win and is trying for his first winning streak since 2020. Francisco Prado has gone 1-2 in the UFC but has turned in pretty memorable fights each time out, most recently he lost to Daniel Zellhuber and now he’s trying to get his UFC record back to the .500 mark with a move up to welterweight. Matthews closed at -240 against a +195 comeback for Prado.

Welterweight Bout: Jake Matthews (20-7, 170.5 lbs.) vs. Francisco Prado (12-2, 170.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Matthews is an inch and a half taller with four inches of reach advantage, Prado is eight years younger though. Some forward pressure from Matthews and he’s trying to work the jab. Prado avoids a right hand. A few long range weapons from Matthews then they both miss right hooks in close. Prado starts pushing forward with hooks but can’t quite connect. They both land in close. Bit of a counter right from Prado. Matthews lands a right hand. Prado lands a left body kick. Matthews with some uppercuts in close but he did take a knee. Prado lands a calf kick. Bit of a body kick from Prado. Left hook from Prado in close. Matthews lands a body kick. They trade left hooks in close, both men are keeping their hands up so far but there’s a lot of power being exchanged. Bit of a left hook from Matthews. Prado lands a calf kick. Right hand from Matthews. They tie up and Prado hits an inside trip to get on top in full guard. Elbow from Prado but Matthews regains his feet and they separate. Both men land punches in close. Another flurry from Matthews closes out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matthews

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves. Both men get close and swing a few punches. Matthews is looking to keep up the pressure, he’s not afraid to have his punches blocked as long as he’s keeping his offensive output. Matthews digs some body shots in close. Body kick from Matthews then Prado lands a left hook. Calf kick from Prado. They again exchange hooks in close. Prado lands a knee in a clinch. One two from Matthews. Prado with a calf kick. Another calf kick from Prado then they trade left hooks. Again they both throw left hooks. Prado forces a clinch and they hit the fence. A few knees go back and forth as they pummel and jockey for position. They break without incident. A flurry from Matthews lands. Uppercut from Matthews. Prado is cut in the hairline now. Matthews avoids some punches then lands a right hand to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matthews, 20-18 Matthews overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Prado lands a calf kick. One two from Matthews then a left hook behind it, he’s pressing the action now. Both men block body kicks then Prado avoids being backed into the fence. Left hook from Matthews. They trade then tie up and Prado fires a knee as they break. Bit of an uppercut from Matthews. A few body shots from Matthews land. Prado tries a clinch, nothing comes of it and they separate. Body kick then a calf kick from Prado. Matthews lands a left hook. Another left hook from Matthews stuns Prado for a second. They clinch again and Matthews lands a knee before Prado pushes things into the fence. A few more knees from Matthews land in the clinch before they separate. Prado blocks a right hook. Matthews lands a couple of punches again. Prado with a right hand but Matthews just eats it. Matthews lands a right hook in close then they tie up and hit the fence. Matthews punches as they break, then they clinch again. They jockey for position for a bit and trade some knees to close out the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Matthews, 30-27 Matthews overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jake Matthews via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

Mic time for Matthews and he’s enjoying the moment of fighting in Australia. He wanted to get a finish here and hopes to find one for his next fight. Asked about the future he would like to fight Neil Magny who he’s called out before but Magny keeps not responding.

We get our fight inductee into the Hall of Fame, it’s Israel Adesanya vs. Kelvin Gastelum from UFC 236. No issues at all with that one on my end, it was a heck of a fight.

Jimmy Crute has actually been with the UFC since 2018 but has gone 0-3-1 in his last four fights, his last win came in 2020 and he really needs to get back on the winning side of things. Rodolfo Bellator is on a four fight winning streak including his UFC debut back in 2023 when he bested Ihor Potieria, now he’s trying to extend that streak here and prove he’s a talent on the rise. The odds like Bellato at -150 but +125 on Crute might tempt a few bettors out there.

Light Heavyweight Bout: Rodolfo Bellato (12-2, 205 lbs.) vs. Jimmy Crute (12-4-1, 206 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Bellato is an inch taller with three and a half inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Both men do a little bit of feinting early, they also both fight very upright in their posture. Bellato jabs the body. They both block some punches then Crute lands a spinning back kick. They tie up and Crute reverses a takedown to land in full mount. Bellato shrimps to half guard. Crute is after an arm triangle but Bellato is blocking that one. Bellato wrestles up briefly and gets full guard to avoid Crute trying to set up a d’arce. Crute lands some punches then passes to half guard. Some elbows now for Crute. Crute keeps up some decent ground and pound, then Bellato hits a sweep and they trade punches as they stand. A right hand from Crute puts Bellato down, he looks to follow up but Bellato ties him up on the mat and he’ll see the end of the round.

SCORECARD: 10-8 Crute

ROUND TWO: Both men probe with leg kicks to start the round. Bellato jabs the body but Crute lands a counter right. Bit of a left hook from Bellato. Crute pushes forward with punches, he’s not landing flush but he’s staying active. They split a few jabs. Hard right hand from Bellato. Left to the body from Bellato to counter a wild punch from Crute. Crute might be getting a little over anxious. Bellato lands a calf kick. Both men land punches in close. Bellato avoids a single leg from Crute then jabs the body again. Spinning back kick from Crute but he seems to be slowing just a bit. Bellato lands a calf kick then a few punches in close. A few jabs go back and forth. Bellato lands another calf kick. One two from Bellato then a left hook behind it. They trade rights. Bellato jabs the body then they trade punches in close. A couple of body shots land for Bellato, Crute is fading now. Bellato with a calf kick. Another calf kick from Bellato. Crute lands a right hand. They trade in close, Bellato’s power seems to be holding up right now and he then lands a calf kick. That left leg of Crute is messed up now. They both mostly miss wheel kicks to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bellato, 19-18 Crute overall

ROUND THREE: Both men feint to start the round. They trade left hands in close. Bellato lands a calf kick. Crute is trying to flurry but his output isn’t sustainable given his fatigue. Calf kick from Bellato. Crute tries a single leg but Bellato defends and then jabs him. Both men land left hooks in close. Bellato jabs the body again. Another body jab from Bellato then they both miss punches. Bellato lands a calf kick. Right hand then a left hook from Bellato. Bit of a right from Crute. Both men land punches in close again. Bellato with some jabs then he ducks under a punch and hits a takedown then moves to the ride position. Some punches from Bellato land as Crute crawls to the fence. They wind up standing and resetting. Left to the body from Bellato. Bellato with a stiff jab. Bellato lands a hard calf kick then another body jab. They both miss punches then Crute fires a knee. One two from Crute then Bellato lands a counter right hand. Calf kick from Bellato, then another one. Those calf kicks from Bellato are nasty and he’s still throwing them. Flying knee from Bellato then he lands some punches in close to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Bellato, 28-28 DRAW overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – DRAW, majority, (29-27, 28-28 x2)

Yeah, that’s about right.

Justin Tafa has a UFC record of 4-4 with 1 No Contest and while he’s turned in a few memorable knockouts he’s also had a few truly awful fights. Most recently he dropped a decision almost a year ago and now he’s trying to avoid another losing streak. Tallison Teixeira is undefeated coming into his UFC debut with all of those wins being finishes, he’s trying to maximize the spot on this PPV card for his debut and turn in a memorable performance. Close one here, -155 on Teixeira to +130 for Tafa.

Heavyweight Bout: Justin Tafa (7-4 1 NC, 266 lbs.) vs. Tallison Teixeira (7-0, 263 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Teixeira is a serious seven inches taller with a quite large nine inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves, Tafa is fighting southpaw. Teixeira with kicks early, including a head kick that got Tafa’s attention. They clinch and Teixeira lands knees then an elbow that drops Tafa and a few more punches on the ground end things.

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Tallison Teixeira via TKO, elbow, at :35 of Round 1

The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Teixeira for his work. Mic time for Teixeira and the translator, he plays with the crowd then talks though the finish. He puts over Tafa’s toughness to close.

Tatiana Suarez is undefeated but for a UFC career dating back to 2016 she’s had just seven fights with the promotion in over eight years, she’s looked impressive when she can stay healthy though. She last fought in August of 2023 and now comes into her first UFC title fight looking to make good in her first shot at the title. Zhang Weili is in her second reign as strawweight champion, she’s got two title defenses going this time around and is looking for her third here. A win would further solidify Zhang’s legacy and domination over the division. Very close one here but the odds lean towards the challenger Suarez at -155 while +130 on the champion Zhang has to be seen as pretty good value.

Strawweight Title Bout: (c) Zhang Weili (25-3, 115 lbs.) vs. #1 Tatiana Suarez (10-0, 114.5 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: Suarez is an inch taller with three inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Suarez and they touch gloves. Both women do some feinting, Zhang looking quite light on her feet. A few side kicks from Zhang then they tie up and Suarez gets a takedown into side control. Zhang is able to get half guard. Not much happening here right now. Suarez lands a couple of short punches but there’s not much on them. Zhang is able to get butterfly guard briefly but Suarez passes back to half guard. A few lefts from Suarez land, and Zhang fires some elbows from her back. Zhang hip escapes to full guard but again Suarez passes to half guard. Again a few lefts from Suarez and she moves to side control. Suarez might be setting up a north-south choke, she lands a couple of knees to the body then Zhang scrambles up but Suarez jumps for a guillotine and Zhang passes to avoid it. Zhang tries to pass but can’t get around the guard of Suarez yet. Zhang looks to pass again but can’t finish it. That’s where the round will end.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Suarez but could go either way

ROUND TWO: Zhang moves a bit to start the round and shows a few low kicks. Bit of a left from Suarez then she looks for a takedown which stalls out on the fence. Suarez keeps after the takedown and is able to try and finish it but Zhang counters and lands on top in a loose half guard. Zhang looks to mount and lands some punches. Suarez tries to wrestle up on a single leg, Zhang lands punches then tries a standing guillotine but loses that as Suarez keeps a clinch. Again Suarez works for a takedown off the fence but can’t quite find it. Zhang with some knees then spins free. Suarez back on pressure, Zhang lands a side kick then a right hand that stuns Suarez for a second. Zhang misses a right hand. Suarez tries a takedown, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Zhang is able to avoid a takedown and get on top in full guard. Some punches from Zhang land. The round ends with Zhang still on top.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang, 19-19 overall

ROUND THREE: Zhang back to moving around and showing some long range weapons. Suarez lands a couple of outside leg kicks but there’s not much on them. Zhang fires a head kick. Suarez seems to be running out of ideas and Zhang is starting to pick her apart with strikes. A right hand from Zhang staggers Suarez, then Zhang avoids a takedown attempt. Suarez tries a takedown but Zhang is easily defending these now. They wind up clinched on the fence, Suarez is trying to get a takedown but Zhang is defending and lands an elbow as they break. Zhang easily avoids a poor takedown attempt. Bit of a right from Zhang. Suarez lands an inside leg kick. Zhang misses a right hand. Zhang avoids a takedown and lands a couple of punches. Suarez keeps trying to move forward but her offense on the feet is anemic at this point. They tie up and hit the fence but Zhang lands an elbow, then another one as they break. Suarez tries one more double leg, but that stalls on the fence as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang, 29-28 Zhang overall

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves. Both women probe with the lead hand. Zhang lands a right hand, Suarez does land a bit of a counter left though. They tie up and Zhang hits an inside trip to get on top in half guard. Some lefts land for Zhang as she works to secure position. Suarez is able to get full guard but Zhang is still landing some punches. Zhang tries an arm triangle choke, she’s trying to angle to get to side control. Suarez is trying to defend and gets full guard back which prompts Zhang to bail on the choke. There’s a cut on Suarez’s right knee, she cut it in the first round on the bottom of the fence, and it’s pretty bad at this point. Zhang moves to half guard then Suarez tries to grab the head but Zhang just settles her down into side control. Suarez is able to shrimp to full guard. A few more strikes from Zhang as she’s on top. A few more punches from Zhang close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang, 39-37 Zhang overall

ROUND FIVE: Both women show jabs as the round start. Zhang lands a right hand then an inside leg kick. Suarez is pretty clearly out of ideas, she tries a takedown but Zhang defends and lands elbows in the clinch. They hit the fence and Suarez tries a single leg but she can’t get Zhang down and Zhang pulls free then lands punches. Body kick from Zhang then a knee and elbow as Suarez forces a clinch. Suarez just doesn’t have any real offense going and Zhang is punishing her. Suarez tries a takedown, but Zhang counters and gets on top in half guard. Lefts from Zhang land, Suarez is trying to wrestle up but Zhang is just better and moves towards the back. Suarez is able to catch half guard but she’s getting smashed as Zhang starts landing punches. Some elbows from Zhang as Suarez gets full guard. Suarez is just holding on as Zhang lands some punches to the body and head. Less than 30 seconds, Suarez needs a miracle at this point and Zhang isn’t giving it to her. Zhang lands some more punches then stands free and makes Suarez stand just before the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 Zhang, 49-46 Zhang overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili via unanimous decision (49-45, 49-46 x2)

I can get behind Zhang having a 10-8 in there somewhere, that was a one sided affair after the first round. Mic time for the champion and the translator, she puts over her team for their work then thanks Suarez for the fight and points out that it was a little silly to make Zhang the underdog. She plays with the crowd a bit to close.

Sean Strickland has gone 4-1 in his last five fights, that includes winning the middleweight title in 2023 then losing it in 2024 but most recently he bested Paulo Costa to earn a shot at regaining the title he used to hold. Dricus du Plessis hasn’t lost at middleweight since 2014 and has gone 8-0 including winning the title from Strickland then getting a successful title defense under his belt back in August when he choked out former champion Israel Adesanya. Du Plessis is trying to continue his title reign and begin forging a championship legacy. The odds are with the champion du Plessis at -220 to +180 for Strickland.

Middleweight Title Bout: (c) Dricus du Plessis (22-2, 185 lbs.) vs. #1 Sean Strickland (29-6, 185 lbs.)

ROUND ONE: These two have identical heights and reaches. Both men start orthodox, but du Plessis will switch his stance pretty frequently. Strickland starts looking to get his jab working, du Plessis is hand fighting with him as they circle. Body kick from du Plessis. Both men block some punches then du Plessis lands a calf kick. Glancing head kick from du Plessis. Du Plessis lands a calf kick. Strickland lands a jab. Another calf kick from du Plessis. A few jabs go back and forth, nothing landing cleanly yet. Strickland avoids a spinning back kick. Bit of a one two from du Plessis. Strickland deflects a few punches. Bit of a front kick from du Plessis. Spinning back kick from du Plessis lands this time. Strickland lands a front kick. Bit of a body kick from du Plessis to counter a jab. Du Plessis lands a calf kick. Glancing high kick from du Plessis. A couple of body kicks from du Plessis then a right hand. Front kick from Strickland, du Plessis responds with a calf kick then a blitz that partially lands to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis

ROUND TWO: They touch gloves for the round. Side kick to the leg from du Plessis. Strickland blocks a high kick. Front kick from Strickland. Du Plessis lands a leg kick then a bit of a body kick. Jab from du Plessis then a partially successful left hand. Bit of a body kick from du Plessis then he pokes out some side kicks. Bit of a right from Strickland and du Plessis responds with a left hook. Strickland avoids a lunging right hand. Calf kick from du Plessis lands. Strickland with a jab but eats a bit of a counter left hook. They trade rights. Strickland with a jab then a right to the body but he’s bleeding from the mouth now. Right jab from du Plessis. Overhand left from du Plessis partially lands then a body kick. Inside leg kick from du Plessis. Glancing head kick from du Plessis then a calf kick. Front kick from Strickland. Bit of a spinning back kick from du Plessis. Strickland blocks a few punches. Jab from Strickland. Du Plessis lands a calf kick then a few side kicks to the knee. Another partial head kick from du Plessis. Bit of a body kick from du Plessis then a right hand. Du Plessis with an inside leg kick. Both men miss punches in close, then a right to the body from du Plessis closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis, 20-18 du Plessis overall

ROUND THREE: They touch gloves again. Calf kick from du Plessis then a body kick. Strickland cross checks a kick. Another body kick from du Plessis. Strickland misses a right hook then du Plessis lands a blitz of punches. Bit of a left hand from du Plessis. Strickland is trying to get his jab going but he’s a little bit out of range. Body shot from Strickland. Bit of a right from du Plessis. Du Plessis lands another body kick, his left leg is shockingly dexterous and effective thus far. Another body kick from du Plessis. Du Plessis jabs the body. One two from Strickland mostly lands then du Plessis responds with a right hand and a left hook. Inside leg kick from du Plessis then a spinning back fist lands flush but Strickland just eats it. Du Plessis lands another body kick then a right to the body. Bit of a jab from Strickland. Glancing left from du Plessis. Jab from Strickland but du Plessis blocks the follow ups. Spinning elbow from du Plessis but again Strickland just absorbs it. They both swing right hands that don’t really land. Right to the body from du Plessis. They trade punches in close. Calf kick from du Plessis. Strickland with a jab then du Plessis hits a takedown and lands an elbow as Strickland gets up and free. Bit of a left from du Plessis closes the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis but a close one, 30-27 du Plessis overall

ROUND FOUR: They touch gloves again. Du Plessis lands a body kick. Strickland avoids a few punches. Stiff jab from du Plessis. Strickland blocks a high kick then du Plessis lands a right to the body. Front kick from du Plessis. Strickland blocks a few punches then du Plessis lands a hard right that busts the nose of Strickland. Du Plessis is walking Strickland down now as Strickland works to fix his nose. Strickland blocks a few punches but he’s bleeding profusely from the nose. Bit of a right from du Plessis who’s still on the pressure. Du Plessis bulls forward, not quite landing cleanly but trying to take advantage of the opportunity. Strickland lands a jab, he seems mostly back at this point. One two from Strickland. They trade in close again then Du Plessis lands a right hand. Bit of an uppercut from du Plessis. One two from du Plessis lands. Glancing right hand from Strickland. Du Plessis bulls forward again and lands a few punches. Again the one two from du Plessis partially lands. A right hand form du Plessis connects, Strickland is incredibly tough because he’s been hit pretty cleanly and hasn’t seemed too bothered. Right to the body from du Plessis. Strickland misses a wild right hand but connects with a jab to close the round.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis, 40-36 du Plessis overall

ROUND FIVE: They touch gloves for the final round. Bit of a one two from du Plessis. Du Plessis keeps his lead leg active and lands a front kick. Strickland misses a right hand then blocks a high kick. A few body punches from du Plessis land. Du Plessis with a few calf kicks then a lunging right hand. The nose of Strickland is leaking again. Du Plessis lands another calf kick. Spinning back kick from du Plessis mostly lands. Strickland lands a jab but the right hand that follows is blocked. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Body kick from du Plessis. Both men miss rights. Strickland avoids a wheel kick but du Plessis keeps swinging then tries a takedown but Strickland defends. More pressure from du Plessis and he hits the body a couple of times then lands a lunging right hand. Bit of an uppercut from du Plessis but Strickland lands a jab. A couple more rights from du Plessis and he’s got that nose of Strickland really leaking now. Hard body kick from du Plessis. Bit of a left hook from du Plessis then a body kick. Strickland has a few punches blocked. Calf kick from du Plessis. They trade jabs then du Plessis lands a left head kick. Du Plessis lands a right to the body. Strickland lands an uppercut, 30 seconds left. Du Plessis lands a right hand. Strickland starts coming forward and fights off a single leg. 10 second, they then swing but neither man lands cleanly as the round ends.

SCORECARD: 10-9 du Plessis, 50-45 du Plessis overall

OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – and STILL UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis via unanimous decision (49-46, 50-45 x2)

Mic time for the champion, he says it’s almost impossible to finish Strickland but he’ll settle for winning pretty much every round then plays with the crowd a bit and puts over Strickland. He knew the game plan was striking focused and he kept trying to make Strickland wrestle but he wouldn’t cooperate. He asks if there’s another title challenger, and we all know there are two in the form of Khamzat Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov. As he talks us through some highlights he notes working on being composed and finally finding success and hurting Strickland. To close he gives love to South Africa, thanks Australia again, and believes he’s a top 3 pound for pound fighter. Technically not really, but his success is totally undeniable.

Strickland gets an interview as well, he gives love to Australia and talks about his nose being broken then putting it back into place. He admits to losing fair and square, then gives love to the fans again to close.

Well on that note UFC 312 comes to a conclusion. Thank you for reading, be that live or after the fact. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to next week when we’re back in the warehouse for UFC on ESPN+ 109. I hope you’ll be back for that event, because I’ll be right here covering it. Until next time everyone, thank you again for reading, stay safe out there, and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.