UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, featured 50 minutes of title fights, but the majority lacked suspense. Sean Strickland failed to deliver against middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, enduring a one-sided beatdown that culminated in a shattered nose. Meanwhile, women’s strawweight champ Zhang Weili dominated Tatiana Suarez, stripping her of her identity and proving her superiority.
Despite the lack of drama, UFC 312 resembled the pay-per-views of old, focusing on determining the best fighter rather than entertainment value. Both title fights ended decisively, with the champions asserting their dominance over their opponents.
Du Plessis now faces Khamzat Chimaev in a highly anticipated matchup, while Strickland and Suarez must reassess their paths after their respective losses. The brutal truth of defeat lingers, challenging their identities as fighters.
Even without flashy finishes, the sustained beatdowns at UFC 312 left a lasting impact, highlighting the harsh realities and competitive levels of the sport.