UFC 312 is gearing up to be a highly anticipated event, though it may not match the excitement of the previous month’s pay-per-view. The roster features two significant title bouts: middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis facing off against Sean Strickland, and women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili squaring off with Tatiana Suarez. However, the card lacks depth with only these two title fights featuring ranked contenders. In contrast to that, the recent UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia boasted eight ranked athletes. With a mix of upcoming talents and veteran fighters, the most interesting non-title fights will undoubtedly draw attention during the Sydney event this weekend.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Analyzing Crute vs. Bellato |
| 2) The Rise of Aleksandre Topuria |
| 3) Kody Steele’s UFC Debut |
| 4) The Impact of Storylines in UFC |
| 5) Under-the-Radar Fights to Watch |
Analyzing Crute vs. Bellato
The matchup between Jimmy Crute and Rodolfo Bellato stands out as the most compelling non-title fight on the card. Crute, a light heavyweight fighter with an impressive early career record of 4-1 that featured four stoppages, is now eyeing redemption following a challenging streak. Entering UFC 312, he has not secured a victory in his last four fights, which included stoppages from Anthony Smith and Jamahal Hill, with a controversial draw against Alonzo Menifield marking another setback. This fight is crucial for Crute as it could decide the future of his career in the UFC.
On the opposite side, Bellato is a contender coming off an impressive debut in the UFC after earning a Fight of the Night award against Ihor Potieria. Both fighters have a penchant for finishing their bouts early, leading to an exciting prediction: approximately 87% of their fights end before the final bell. The stakes are high as both fighters bring distinct strengths to the octagon—Crute with his experience and Bellato with his rising star potential. As they come together on Saturday, the fans can expect an electrifying clash of styles.
The Rise of Aleksandre Topuria
Another intriguing fight on the card is that between Aleksandre Topuria and Colby Thicknesse. Aleksandre, the younger brother of reigning featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, has a record of 5-1 and fights in the bantamweight division, one weight class below his brother. Both brothers share a scoring record where many of their fights end by knockout or submission, although Ilia’s success has reached the pinnacle of UFC accolades.
Despite his promising career, Aleksandre is at a disadvantage in experience compared to his brother. While they started their careers around the same time in 2015, Ilia’s significantly greater fight count is attributable to a six-year hiatus that Aleksandre took following his sole defeat that year. This match represents a valuable opportunity for him to regain momentum in his career, especially given that Thicknesse is stepping in on short notice to replace Cody Haddon and make his own UFC debut.
Thicknesse, undefeated at 7-0, has a dynamic fighting style that combines KOs, submissions, and decisions, showcasing his versatile skill set. He has trained with UFC star Alexander Volkanovski, a fighter known for his tenacity in the octagon. Thicknesse has publicly declared his intention to seek a finish against Aleksandre, adding layers of anticipation to their fight and raising questions about how effectively each fighter’s strengths will play against the other’s tactics.
Kody Steele’s UFC Debut
In a notable moment for the event, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Kody Steele is entering the octagon for his UFC debut against veteran fighter Rongzhu. Steele has an undefeated record of 7-0, with a lion’s share of his victories coming from knockout techniques, indicating his evolving skills in mixed martial arts (MMA) since transitioning from the mats of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He recently made waves on the Contender Series with a second-round stoppage, paving the way for his entry into the UFC.
Rongzhu, despite being five years younger, brings a wealth of experience into this bout with a record of 25-6. Having previously found himself on the cusp of the UFC, he is now back for a second chance after impressing on the ‘Road to UFC.’ However, him being stopped in his recent UFC outing against Chris Padilla shows that his journey has not been straightforward. This matchup will determine whether Steele can rise as a formidable contender or if Rongzhu can re-establish his place among the ranks of dangerous fighters.
The Impact of Storylines in UFC
The narratives surrounding these fights bring a substantial layer of intrigue to the event overall. Storylines have consistently played a crucial role in building engagement among fans, and this event is no exception. Factors such as family ties—like those surrounding the Topurias—and comeback narratives—seen in the cases of Crute and Rongzhu—serve to elevate these fights beyond mere competition within the octagon.
For instance, in the case of Aleksandre Topuria, viewers are given an inside look into the journey of two brothers striving for success, each representing a different path in their careers. Similarly, the stakes for Jimmy Crute go beyond just a win; they symbolize his desperate bid for redemption and re-establishing relevance within the light heavyweight division. Such personal stakes enhance the drama of the competition, capturing the interest of MMA enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Under-the-Radar Fights to Watch
Beyond the headline events, other fights on the card deserve attention. Justin Tafa versus Tallison Teixeira may not boast title implications but represents a classic clash that typifies how critical every competitor’s performance can be in establishing their future within the UFC. Tafa emerged as a strong prospect but was hampered by injuries and setbacks, hoping to capitalize on this fight to regain momentum. On the other hand, Teixeira looks to build a profile in the heavyweight division through this opportunity.
While it may not possess title implications or ranked fighters, this matchup showcases the unpredictable nature of MMA. Unforeseen moments of brilliance or strategy can redefine a fighter’s career trajectory, and both athletes understand the importance of making their mark in this contest. As fans anticipate the main event, these under-the-radar fights encapsulate the essence of the UFC, where every bout holds potential for surprises and noteworthy performances.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | UFC 312 features two title fights, but few ranked competitors. |
| 2 | Jimmy Crute is desperate for a win after four consecutive losses. |
| 3 | Aleksandre Topuria seeks to carve out his identity separate from his champion brother. |
| 4 | Kody Steele aims to impress in his UFC debut against seasoned Rongzhu. |
| 5 | The undercard is filled with fights that could redefine contenders’ futures. |
Summary
UFC 312 promises an eventful night in Sydney with a mixture of high-stakes title bouts and intriguing undercard fights. While the overall card lacks the depth seen in previous months, it presents opportunities for fighters to establish their legacies, seek redemption, and create captivating stories. Fans and analysts will indeed be eager to see how these narratives unfold as the fighters take to the octagon this weekend in pursuit of victory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What are the main title fights at UFC 312?
The two main title fights at UFC 312 feature middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis defending his title against Sean Strickland, and women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili facing Tatiana Suarez.
Question: Who is Kody Steele fighting in his debut?
Kody Steele is making his UFC debut against veteran fighter Rongzhu, who has significant experience in the octagon.
Question: How important is Jimmy Crute’s fight at UFC 312?
Jimmy Crute’s fight is critically important as he looks to end a four-fight losing streak and potentially secure his future in the UFC.
