The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) has always been known for its exciting bouts, fierce competition, and high-stakes drama, and UFC 312 promises to deliver all of this and more. This event is headlined by a highly anticipated rematch between two of the most skilled fighters in the middleweight division: Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Let’s dive into the details of UFC 312, from the fight card to predictions, with everything you need to know about the event.
Fight Card
UFC 312 will feature an exciting lineup of bouts that will have fans on the edge of their seats. While the main event is a much-anticipated rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland, the undercard also boasts several intriguing fights that promise to deliver action. Below is the full fight card:
| Main Card | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | Weight Class | Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Dricus Du Plessis | Sean Strickland | Middleweight | Title Fight |
| Co-Main Event | Jon Jones | Stipe Miocic | Heavyweight | Championship Fight |
| Fight 3 | Israel Adesanya | Robert Whittaker | Middleweight | Non-Title Fight |
| Fight 4 | Kamaru Usman | Colby Covington | Welterweight | Championship Fight |
| Fight 5 | Charles Oliveira | Islam Makhachev | Lightweight | Non-Title Fight |
| Fight 6 | Amanda Nunes | Valentina Shevchenko | Women’s Flyweight | Title Fight |
In addition to the exciting fights in the main card, the preliminary bouts promise plenty of action, showcasing a blend of rising stars and experienced veterans.
Cancellations and Changes to the Fight Card
As with any major UFC event, cancellations and last-minute changes are always a possibility. For UFC 312, there have been a few notable changes to the card that fans should be aware of.
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Khamzat Chimaev’s Absence – Chimaev was initially scheduled to fight in a key matchup on the card, but due to health complications, he was forced to pull out. Fans had hoped for a showdown between Chimaev and a top contender, but his withdrawal left a gap in the lineup. UFC officials are already working on securing a replacement opponent for a future event.
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Fighter Injury – Another unfortunate situation arose when Jorge Masvidal suffered a knee injury, which forced him to pull out of his scheduled fight against Gilbert Burns. This matchup was set to be one of the most exciting of the night, with both fighters known for their aggressive fighting styles. As a result, UFC officials have announced a new opponent for Burns, who will face Leon Edwards in a non-title welterweight bout.
Despite these cancellations, UFC 312 still promises to be a thrilling event with the remaining bouts.
Weigh-ins: What to Expect
The weigh-ins for UFC 312 will be a significant event, as it sets the tone for the matchups that follow. Fighters are required to weigh in the day before the event, and there are a few important things to keep in mind for the upcoming weigh-ins:
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Middleweight Division: For the main event between Du Plessis and Strickland, both fighters will need to hit the 185-pound weight limit for the middleweight division. Strickland, known for his relentless fighting style, has had issues with making weight in the past, so all eyes will be on him to see if he can make the cut.
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Heavyweight Division: The co-main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will be contested at heavyweight, meaning both fighters must weigh in under the 265-pound limit. Jones, who has dominated the light heavyweight division for years, is moving up in weight, which has led to much speculation about how his body will perform at a heavier weight class.
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Women’s Flyweight Division: The women’s flyweight division title fight between Amanda Nunes and Valentina Shevchenko will also be a point of interest, as both fighters have shown remarkable consistency in their careers. Their battle will showcase not only their physical strength but also their mental toughness, making the weigh-ins particularly intense.
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Challenges at Weigh-ins: Some fighters in the preliminary rounds have had issues in the past with making weight, especially in high-pressure events like UFC 312. Fans will have to stay updated on any weigh-in controversies, as they can lead to changes in matchups or even the cancellation of a fight.
Predictions for UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2
With so many exciting matchups, predictions for UFC 312 are already circulating among fans and analysts. Let’s take a look at some of the key fights and their potential outcomes.
Main Event: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2
In the first encounter between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, the fight ended in a highly competitive and thrilling bout that showcased both fighters’ skills. However, this time, many analysts are predicting a different outcome based on their recent performances. Here are some key predictions for the main event:
| Fighter | Strengths | Weaknesses | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dricus Du Plessis | Powerful striking, grappling ability | Tendency to get into brawls | Likely to win by knockout |
| Sean Strickland | Strong striking, defensive skills | Lack of finishing ability in the past | Likely to win by decision |
Co-Main Event: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Jon Jones has been one of the most dominant fighters in UFC history, but this move to the heavyweight division will be a new challenge for him. Miocic, on the other hand, is a seasoned veteran with knockout power. Here’s how we see this fight playing out:
| Fighter | Strengths | Weaknesses | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Jones | Elite wrestling, unorthodox striking | Lack of experience in the heavyweight division | Likely to win by submission |
| Stipe Miocic | Heavy hands, excellent cardio | Vulnerable to takedowns | Likely to lose by decision |
Prediction for Other Key Fights
| Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Israel Adesanya | Robert Whittaker | Adesanya wins by TKO |
| Kamaru Usman | Colby Covington | Usman wins by decision |
| Amanda Nunes | Valentina Shevchenko | Nunes wins by submission |
Conclusion
UFC 312 promises to be a thrilling night of action, with its main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland sure to steal the show. With a stacked fight card, including title fights, rivalries, and highly anticipated rematches, this event will be one for the history books. Stay tuned, as we’ll see which fighter rises to the occasion and leaves the arena with the championship belt!