UFC 312, live from Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena got the attention of many of MMA’s finest from all over the world. The card had several great moments, most notably Tallison Texeira’s quick win over Justin Tafa. However, most of the mixed martial arts world tuned in for the two title fights, both of which went to decision.
February’s PPV event saw two middleweight rivals, Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis squared off in the deciding fight in their rivalry. Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) cruised to another win with a unanimous decision victory over Strickland (29-7 MMA, 16-7 UFC). Du Plessis controlled almost every second of that fight and even shattered Strickland’s nose in the fourth.
As is custom, fighters were quick to react to the events unfolding at UFC 312. Belal Muhammad was the first to mock Strickland for his outspoken prefight routine conflicting with his fighting style.
Many fighters understood that Strickland looked stuck in first gear and needed to pick up his activity to try and win the fight. Aljamain Sterling was one of them, and he spoke out as UFC 312 wrapped up.
As the final fight of UFC 312 continued, though, many recognized just how good Dricus Du Plessis performed.
Muhammad chimed back in, arguing that he might move up to 185.
Athletes Respond to UFC 312’s Co-Main
Strawweight queen Zhang Weili (26-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) proved Las Vegas and many others wrong with her sheer dominance of Tatiana Suarez (10-1 MMA, 7-1 UFC). Suarez entered a favorite with her wrestling ability and undefeated record. Unfortunately for the challenger, Weili outworked her in all facets and even landed takedowns of her own.
Weili defeated Suarez handily, and the MMA world responded in kind.
Strawweight Angela Hill echoed what many were thinking during the co-main of UFC 312 as Weili proved effective against Suarez’s grappling. She defended well against the American’s grappling, almost instantly putting Suarez on the back foot.
Former title challenger Jorge Masvidal was more than impressed with Weili’s performance.
Mixed martial arts always has some unspoken athletes, but this card brought them out of the woodwork.
Featured Image Credits to Embed from Getty Images
