The UFC’s upcoming pay-per-view event features two title fights, including a rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland for the middleweight belt, as well as Zhang Weili defending her title against Tatiana Suarez. Uncrowned’s Chuck Mindenhall and Petesy Carroll provide insights into the key matchups and questions surrounding the event.
In their first encounter, Strickland out-struck Du Plessis in most rounds, but the fight was close. Petesy believes that Du Plessis has a knack for finding a way to win despite looking tired, while Chuck emphasizes the importance of Strickland avoiding takedowns and preserving energy to outlast his opponent.
When it comes to who the UFC would prefer to hold the middleweight title, Chuck suggests that Strickland’s controversial persona and ongoing feuds with other fighters could make him a more marketable champion. Petesy highlights Du Plessis’ appeal to the African market and his potential as a marquee fighter for the promotion.
Regarding potential contenders for the winner of Du Plessis vs. Strickland, both agree that Khamzat Chimaev should be next in line due to his star power and dominance in the octagon. However, the uncertainty surrounding Chimaev’s ability to compete outside the Middle East raises concerns.
As for Suarez’s title shot against Zhang Weili, Chuck and Petesy both believe that Suarez has what it takes to become the women’s strawweight champion. Despite Zhang’s formidable skills, Suarez’s resilience and determination could lead her to victory in this long-awaited opportunity.
Outside of the title fights, Petesy mentions his curiosity about Aleksandre Topuria’s UFC debut and Wang Cong’s comeback fight. Chuck highlights Jake Matthews as a consistent performer who always delivers exciting fights, especially in his home country of Australia.
Overall, the UFC 312 event promises to deliver thrilling matchups and potential upsets, making it a must-watch for MMA fans worldwide.