UFC 312 Odds, Predictions, & Best Prop Bets

UFC 312 delivers a pivotal night of action Saturday from Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena, headlined by a high-stakes middleweight title rematch and a clash of styles in the strawweight division. Reigning champion Dricus du Plessis (22-2) faces Sean Strickland (29-6) in a grudge-filled sequel to their January 2024 split-decision thriller. Du Plessis, who defended his belt against Israel Adesanya last August, aims to silence critics who questioned the contentious outcome of their first meeting. Strickland, fueled by his “people’s champion” persona, has added former rival Alex Pereira to his corner—a strategic move to sharpen his striking against the South African’s unorthodox pressure.

The co-main event showcases Zhang Weili (25-3) defending her strawweight crown against unbeaten wrestler Tatiana Suarez (10-0). Zhang’s evolved grappling faces its toughest test against Suarez, a former Olympic hopeful whose career resurgence after injury setbacks has been meteoric. With Suarez averaging 6.46 takedowns per 15 minutes, this bout could hinge on whether Zhang’s defensive improvements withstand five rounds of relentless ground assault.

Beyond the title fights, the card features heavyweight fireworks as Justin Tafa battles Brazilian prospect Tallison Teixeira, while light heavyweights Jimmy Crute and Rodolfo Bellato collide in a clash of finishers. Debutant Aleksandre Topuria (5-1), brother of featherweight king Ilia, aims to replicate family success in his UFC bow against Colby Thicknesse.

With du Plessis-Strickland 2 anchoring a card light on ranked contenders but heavy on narrative stakes, UFC 312 offers a proving ground for veterans and newcomers alike. The action kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ PPV, marking the promotion’s return to Australia with pivotal divisional shifts on the line.

The Best Sports Betting Sites for UFC 312

How to Watch UFC 312

• 🥊 UFC 312: Dricis Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2
• 📅 Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
• 🕙 Time: 10:00 pm ET
• 🏟 Location: Qudos Bank Arena | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
• 📺 TV Channel: ESPN+ PPV
• 📊 UFC Stats: Du Plessis 22-2 | Strickland 29-6
• 🎲 UFC Odds: Du Plessis (-205) | Strickland (+170)

UFC 312 Best Bets & Props

Dricus Du Plessis (-205)

Dricus du Plessis is primed to retain his middleweight crown against Sean Strickland at UFC 312. The South African’s unorthodox striking and relentless pressure will disrupt Strickland’s rhythm, much like in their first encounter. Du Plessis’ improved cardio, evident in his five-round war with Adesanya, addresses concerns from their initial bout. His wrestling pedigree offers a Plan B if striking fails, while Strickland’s limited grappling arsenal provides fewer options. Du Plessis’ power advantage and unpredictable attack patterns will keep Strickland on the defensive. With a full camp as champion and the psychological edge of their previous result, Du Plessis should secure a more decisive victory this time around.

Tatiana Suarez (-120)

Tatiana Suarez’s path to strawweight gold runs through her world-class wrestling. Against Zhang Weili, Suarez’s relentless takedown game will be the difference-maker. Averaging 6.46 takedowns per 15 minutes, Suarez’s grappling pressure is unmatched at 115 pounds. While Zhang has improved her defensive wrestling, she hasn’t faced a grappler of Suarez’s caliber. Suarez’s top control and ground-and-pound will neutralize Zhang’s striking advantages. The American’s cardio edge will shine in the championship rounds, wearing down the champion. Suarez’s submission threat adds another layer to her offensive arsenal. With her injury woes behind her, Suarez’s combination of wrestling pedigree and evolving striking makes her primed to dethrone Zhang and claim UFC gold.

Tom Nolan (+102)

Tom Nolan’s physical advantages and evolving fight IQ make him the pick against Viacheslav Borshchev at UFC 312. The 6’3” Australian wields a 73-inch reach – four inches longer than Borshchev – allowing him to pepper the Russian with jabs and front kicks from distance. Nolan’s improved patience since his 2024 KO loss to Nikolas Motta, evidenced by his measured decision win over Alex Reyes, positions him to exploit Borshchev’s defensive gaps79. Borshchev’s declining output (5.40 strikes/min) and predictable body-shot hunting35 play into Nolan’s volume-heavy style (6.68 strikes/min)30. While Borshchev’s power remains dangerous, Nolan’s southpaw stance and creative combinations should outwork “Slava Claus” in a striking duel where defense takes a backseat.