Tag: UFC 312

Report: No Backups Set For UFC 312 Title Fights Despite Late Scramble To Save UFC 311 Main Event

Dana White and co. will have their fingers crossed that there isn’t a repeat of the late withdrawal in Los Angeles earlier this month when the promotion heads Down Under for UFC 312. After opening its pay-per-view schedule for 2025 with UFC 311 from Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, the mixed martial arts leader is taking the […]

Dana White and co. will have their fingers crossed that there isn’t a repeat of the late withdrawal in Los Angeles earlier this month when the promotion heads Down Under for UFC 312.

After opening its pay-per-view schedule for 2025 with UFC 311 from Inglewood’s Intuit Dome, the mixed martial arts leader is taking the Octagon abroad for a return to Australia in February.

Two names familiar to the attending Aussie fanbase will compete inside Qudos Bank Arena, with last year’s Sydney headliner, Dricus Du Plessis, meeting 2023’s main event victor in the city, Sean Strickland.

Their middleweight championship rematch won’t be the only title fight on the UFC 312 card, with strawweight queen Zhang Weili also set to defend her throne opposite undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez.

While anticipation is building for those contests, fans will be well aware that no matchup is certain to go down until the cage door closes behind the athletes.

That much was evident a few weeks back when Arman Tsarukyan pulled out of the UFC 311 main event, forcing the promotion to find a new foe for Islam Makhachev on just 24 hours’ notice. The Dagestani ultimately faced Renato Moicano, whom he steamrolled in minutes.

Disappointment was evident when the highly awaited second clash between Makhachev and Tsarukyan fell through, but that scenario hasn’t convinced the UFC to make additional arrangements for the second PPV of the year.

Per MMA Fighting’s Damon Martin, no fighters are currently expected to make the long-haul flight to Australia to serve as backup for the UFC 312 main or co-main events.

The organization has often paid contenders to hit the scale as alternative options should injury or illness strike late in the day. But that hasn’t been the case since Tom Aspinall did so back at UFC 309 in November.

Backups were neither present for Alexandre Pantoja’s title defense at UFC 310 against Kai Asakura nor the pair of championship clashes on Jan. 18. UFC 312 will now make it three PPVs on the bounce in that regard.

Dricus Du Plessis Rubbishes Sean Strickland’s Stand & Trade Challenge For UFC 312 Rematch

Dricus Du Plessis plans to stick to his own strategy when he steps into the Octagon for a rematch with Sean Strickland. Du Plessis is gearing up for his second middleweight title defense as he takes on former foe Strickland in the main event of UFC 312. The highly anticipated showdown is set to electrify […]

Dricus Du Plessis plans to stick to his own strategy when he steps into the Octagon for a rematch with Sean Strickland.

Du Plessis is gearing up for his second middleweight title defense as he takes on former foe Strickland in the main event of UFC 312. The highly anticipated showdown is set to electrify the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 8.

The upcoming bout marks a highly anticipated rematch between the two rivals, who first collided at UFC 297 in January 2024. On that night, “Stillknocks” edged out a grueling split decision to claim the 185-pound title, dethroning Strickland in the process.

Their first encounter was a brutal, stand-and-bang affair, and “Tarzan” is determined to keep it that way for their rematch at UFC 312.

In a promotional video released earlier this month, Strickland called on Du Plessis to “be a f**king man” and maintain the striking war for their second showdown.

During a recent interview with FOX Sports Australia, Du Plessis fired back at Strickland’s challenge, emphasizing that he’s far from one-dimensional. He pointed out that he thrives on versatility, adapting his style to the situation at hand, and isn’t afraid to mix things up inside the Octagon.

“Look, it’s a ridiculous thing to ask,” Du Plessis said.” If you want to make pacts about us just standing up, go do boxing. I don’t go into fights thinking I have to stand up or take the guy down. I do what the situation tells me to do. That’s what MMA fighters do. I’m comfortable everywhere.”

However, the 31-year-old South African champion went on to say that he anticipates the rematch will be another striking battle, and he’s thoroughly ready to dominate the striking exchanges.

“100 percent, I think we are most likely going to keep it standing. I know I have the cardio, I know I can push him back and I know I have the power to knock him out. So for me, that’s great. Then, if the opportunity comes to get a takedown, it’s a decision you have to make immediately. If you see the moment, you take it.”

“Stillknocks” is riding high after securing a fourth-round submission victory over former longtime champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 this past August, successfully retaining his title. With that impressive win, Du Plessis extended his perfect UFC record to an undefeated 8-0.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Strickland has stepped into the Octagon just once since losing his title, securing a hard-fought split decision victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June 2024. He currently boasts a 16-6 record in the UFC.

Dricus Du Plessis Rubbishes Sean Strickland’s Stand & Trade Challenge For UFC 312 Rematch

Dricus Du Plessis plans to stick to his own strategy when he steps into the Octagon for a rematch with Sean Strickland. Du Plessis is gearing up for his second middleweight title defense as he takes on former foe Strickland in the main event of UFC 312. The highly anticipated showdown is set to electrify […]

Dricus Du Plessis plans to stick to his own strategy when he steps into the Octagon for a rematch with Sean Strickland.

Du Plessis is gearing up for his second middleweight title defense as he takes on former foe Strickland in the main event of UFC 312. The highly anticipated showdown is set to electrify the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Feb. 8.

The upcoming bout marks a highly anticipated rematch between the two rivals, who first collided at UFC 297 in January 2024. On that night, “Stillknocks” edged out a grueling split decision to claim the 185-pound title, dethroning Strickland in the process.

Their first encounter was a brutal, stand-and-bang affair, and “Tarzan” is determined to keep it that way for their rematch at UFC 312.

In a promotional video released earlier this month, Strickland called on Du Plessis to “be a f**king man” and maintain the striking war for their second showdown.

During a recent interview with FOX Sports Australia, Du Plessis fired back at Strickland’s challenge, emphasizing that he’s far from one-dimensional. He pointed out that he thrives on versatility, adapting his style to the situation at hand, and isn’t afraid to mix things up inside the Octagon.

“Look, it’s a ridiculous thing to ask,” Du Plessis said.” If you want to make pacts about us just standing up, go do boxing. I don’t go into fights thinking I have to stand up or take the guy down. I do what the situation tells me to do. That’s what MMA fighters do. I’m comfortable everywhere.”

However, the 31-year-old South African champion went on to say that he anticipates the rematch will be another striking battle, and he’s thoroughly ready to dominate the striking exchanges.

“100 percent, I think we are most likely going to keep it standing. I know I have the cardio, I know I can push him back and I know I have the power to knock him out. So for me, that’s great. Then, if the opportunity comes to get a takedown, it’s a decision you have to make immediately. If you see the moment, you take it.”

“Stillknocks” is riding high after securing a fourth-round submission victory over former longtime champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 this past August, successfully retaining his title. With that impressive win, Du Plessis extended his perfect UFC record to an undefeated 8-0.

Meanwhile, Meanwhile, Strickland has stepped into the Octagon just once since losing his title, securing a hard-fought split decision victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302 in June 2024. He currently boasts a 16-6 record in the UFC.

Ilia Topuria’s Brother Gets Alexander Volkanovski’s Teammate As Replacement Opponent For UFC 312

UFC debutant Aleksandre Topuria has a new opponent to prepare for, and one that could re-spark the rivalry between his brother Ilia and Alexander Volkanovski. While plenty of attention has been on Ilia’s impressive rise to championship glory at 145 pounds in the UFC, his sibling has been working away himself, looking to parve his […]

UFC debutant Aleksandre Topuria has a new opponent to prepare for, and one that could re-spark the rivalry between his brother Ilia and Alexander Volkanovski.

While plenty of attention has been on Ilia’s impressive rise to championship glory at 145 pounds in the UFC, his sibling has been working away himself, looking to parve his own path to mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

And after signing with the promotion, Aleksandre’s debut was announced for UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia early next month. Originally, the 5-1 bantamweight prospect was set to face Cody Haddon. But with an injury ruling him out, Topuria’s new first matchup brings with it a backstory.

Per a report from Spanish journalist Álvaro Colmenero, “El Cazador” is now set to share the cage with the undefeated Colby Thicknesse on Feb. 8. Interestingly, as well as being a HEC champion, the Australian is a teammate of Volkanovski’s.

Ilia knocked Volkanovski out in Anaheim almost 12 months ago to capture the featherweight gold. After repeating that violent feat at the expense of Max Holloway last October, many are expecting the Spaniard to run it back with “Alexander the Great” in 2025.

Another occasional training partner of the ex-champ’s, City Kickboxing standout Dan Hooker, also recently claimed that Topuria turned down a defense against Volkanovski for UFC 313 in March due to a need for longer to make the weight.

It remains to be seen whether Ilia and his Aussie rival will renew hostilities inside the cage. For now, though, they’ll be preparing for a different team Topuria vs. team Volkanovski battle at UFC 312.

Ilia Topuria’s Brother Gets Alexander Volkanovski’s Teammate As Replacement Opponent For UFC 312

UFC debutant Aleksandre Topuria has a new opponent to prepare for, and one that could re-spark the rivalry between his brother Ilia and Alexander Volkanovski. While plenty of attention has been on Ilia’s impressive rise to championship glory at 145 pounds in the UFC, his sibling has been working away himself, looking to parve his […]

UFC debutant Aleksandre Topuria has a new opponent to prepare for, and one that could re-spark the rivalry between his brother Ilia and Alexander Volkanovski.

While plenty of attention has been on Ilia’s impressive rise to championship glory at 145 pounds in the UFC, his sibling has been working away himself, looking to parve his own path to mixed martial arts’ biggest stage.

And after signing with the promotion, Aleksandre’s debut was announced for UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia early next month. Originally, the 5-1 bantamweight prospect was set to face Cody Haddon. But with an injury ruling him out, Topuria’s new first matchup brings with it a backstory.

Per a report from Spanish journalist Álvaro Colmenero, “El Cazador” is now set to share the cage with the undefeated Colby Thicknesse on Feb. 8. Interestingly, as well as being a HEC champion, the Australian is a teammate of Volkanovski’s.

Ilia knocked Volkanovski out in Anaheim almost 12 months ago to capture the featherweight gold. After repeating that violent feat at the expense of Max Holloway last October, many are expecting the Spaniard to run it back with “Alexander the Great” in 2025.

Another occasional training partner of the ex-champ’s, City Kickboxing standout Dan Hooker, also recently claimed that Topuria turned down a defense against Volkanovski for UFC 313 in March due to a need for longer to make the weight.

It remains to be seen whether Ilia and his Aussie rival will renew hostilities inside the cage. For now, though, they’ll be preparing for a different team Topuria vs. team Volkanovski battle at UFC 312.

Dan Hooker Claims Ilia Topuria Rejected Alexander Volkanovski Rematch For UFC 313 Due To Weight Cut Demand

According to lightweight contender Dan Hooker, plans for Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski to run it back this March fell through due to the UFC featherweight champion’s inability to make the weight. Hooker recently had his return to action confirmed for UFC 313 in Las Vegas on March 8, where he’ll collide with former interim […]

According to lightweight contender Dan Hooker, plans for Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski to run it back this March fell through due to the UFC featherweight champion’s inability to make the weight.

Hooker recently had his return to action confirmed for UFC 313 in Las Vegas on March 8, where he’ll collide with former interim champion Justin Gaethje in a sure-fire banger.

The event looks set to be a stacked one, with light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira defending his gold in the main event opposite top contender Magomed Ankalaev.

As it turns out, though, another high-profile title clash could have found itself on the lineup.

During a recent appearance on Submission Radio, Hooker asserted that occasional teammate and fellow Oceanian fighter Volkanovski agreed to run it back with Topuria in competition for the 145-pound strap he formerly owned. But according to “The Hangman,” the Spaniard allegedly requested half-a-year to drop the pounds.

“They wanted to put Volk and Ilia on the (UFC 313) card as well but Ilia said he needs six months to make weight or something. I’m like, ‘Bro, what?’”

Volkanovski was quick to outline his plans to secure redemption against Topuria after being knocked out by “El Matador” 11 months ago.

While the reigning champ pointed toward that rematch being his next assignment after defending the belt versus Max Holloway in October, he’s since discussed a lightweight move.

Topuria’s coach has also added context to those plans by outlining the increasing difficult his man is having making the featherweight limit, perhaps adding some supportive evidence behind Hooker’s claim.