UFC 312 Sydney betting picks & top odds | February 9, 2025

Women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili takes on undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez for the UFC 312 co-main event at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney this Sunday. Other highlights include a heavyweight clash between Justin Tafa and Tallison Teixeira and a welterweight matchup between Jake Matthews and Francisco Prado. Read on for BettingPlanet.com’s fight previews and top picks for every bout on the UFC 312 undercard.

Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland

Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland

The UFC 312 main event is a rematch of a classic championship bout fought in 2024. Then-challenger Dricus du Plessis prevailed by a single point on one judge’s scorecard over incumbent Sean Strickland and is strongly favoured to repeat the dose in Sydney. See our du Plessis vs Strickland betting preview here.

Zhang Weili vs Tatiana Suarez

Zhang Weili vs Tatiana Suarez

Zhang Weili (25-3-0) is a two-time women’s strawweight champion on a four-fight win streak but has appeared slightly vulnerable in recent appearances. The Chinese champion was forced to five rounds of close action by Yan Xiaonan and Amanda Lemos in her last title defences, struggling to impose her will on both challengers. The 35-year-old cannot be written off but is a slight betting underdog with online bookies heading down under and might be sliding out of her prime.

Tatiana Suarez (11-0-0) earned her title shot with a pair of impressive stoppage wins in 2023, choking out Jessica Andrade and Montana De La Rosa to cement her position as the top contender. The unbeaten 34-year-old is a former wrestler and a black belt in BJJ, bringing a level of physicality that none of her opponents have been able to match. Her hard work and patience may be rewarded as the American looks set to secure the UFC silverware.

Justin Tafa vs Tallison Teixeira

Justin Tafa vs Tallison Teixeira

Justin Tafa (7-4-0) is a hard-hitting striker who tends to struggle beyond the opening round. His three most recent victories came about via first-round knockout, while his three last losses came via the scorecards. The 31-year-old will be out for another early finish, but he faces a huge height and reach disadvantages in this matchup. Expect Tafa to bounce into close range and unleash his power shots from the opening bell.

Tallison Teixeira (1-0-0) makes his UFC debut after scoring a devastating two-minute knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series five months ago. The Brazilian is a towering figure and might prove a force in the heavyweight division if he can build the confidence required to trade blows with the sport’s biggest athletes. Despite his lack of big-fight experience, Teixeira is slightly favoured to pass this test.

Jimmy Crute vs Rodolfo Bellato

Jimmy Crute vs Rodolfo Bellato

Jimmy Crute (12-4-1) is winless in his last four UFC appearances and might be fighting to retain his place on the roster. The 28-year-old possesses a range of dangerous offensive weapons but can be exposed defensively by more technically proficient athletes. If he hopes to turn this form around, the Aussie needs to focus on the basics, accumulate points with the judges, and avoid damage — which might be easier said than done.

Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-0) is a recent graduate from Dana White’s Contender Series who is expected to quickly make the UFC grade. The Brazilian is a fearless combatant who marches forward, and this bout looks destined for an early conclusion. The 29-year-old might have the more reliable chin at this stage, so we are leaning toward him to land the final blow of this explosive encounter.

Jake Matthews vs Francisco Prado

Jake Matthews vs Francisco Prado

Jake Matthews (20-7-0) has posted three wins and three losses since 2021 — an inconsistent record that has prevented the Australian from penetrating the top 15 at welterweight. The 30-year-old is most adept at grappling on the mat, but he can lack sufficient striking output when takedowns prove elusive. While Matthews will enjoy strong support from the Aussie crowd, he might have his hands full against an opponent with a similar skillset.

Francisco Prado (12-2-0) was unsuccessful on his UFC debut in February 2023 but bounced back with an impressive first-round knockout five months later. While the Argentinian has since lost a close decision to Daniel Zellhuber, he’s shown enough to suggest he can spring an upset at big odds with top UFC betting sites. Prado should enjoy a slight power edge and will have no fear should the action hit the ground.

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