UFC 312: Will a Title Fight Finally Land in Sydney?
With just over two months until the UFC returns to Sydney, a key question hangs over the event: who will headline UFC 312? While three fights are already announced, none scream main event material.
A Look at the Championship Landscape
UM Phillip Silva
Historically, very few UFC pay-per-view events happen without a title fight on the line. Typically, these rare exceptions pair with massive star power like Conor McGregor, last-minute injury allowances, or main event fighters missing weight.
So, which belt is likely to being contested in February? Let’s analyze each weight class.
### Men’s Flyweight: Unlikely Contenders
Alexandre Pantoja’s reign as champion is already facing its first test when he meets newcomer Kai Asukura at UFC 310 in Las Vegas on December 7. A quick turnaround to Sydney seems almost impossible.
The odds are slim: 5%
Two contenders, will likely meet for the championship in Sydney:
ium who are.
0%.
### Men’s Featherweight: The Aussie Dream Fading
Ilia Topuria has voiced his desire for a fight in Spain, with Australia’s Alex Volkanovski at the top of the list for a rematch. The likelihood of this matchup happening in Sydney? Fading fast.
Chance: 0%
### Men’s Lightweight: Bunching Up
Islam Makhachev is set for a January title defense against
The odds are against it.
costura. Let’s face it: Sydney is 5% chance no one’s doubting that the likely jailnb
### Men’s Welterweight: The Shockmap
Sheila, and um 5%?
### Men’s Middleweight: A Twist?
Dricus du Plessis may not get his wish for a matchup against Khamzat Chimaev. Instead, it looks like Sean Strickland is next, adding another twist to this picture.
This fight could be intriguing for the Aussie market. After all, Strickland upset Israel Adesanya in Sydney back in 2023.
The only catch? Strickland has sworn off returning to Australia. A massive payday might change his mind.
The chance of seeing both Schwertman 20%
Men’s Middleweight:
### Men’s Heavyweight: Jones Has the Call
Recently returning as champion,
Fans shouldn’t hold their breath. ”
“Mma.
Expected to be
The chance is very slim: 0%
### Women’s Strawweight: The Most Likely Contender
ami.
We can’t leave out Zhang Weili, who has defended her title more.TBS
The women’s strawweight division
Hopeful
There are also some intriguing
Given the lack of dominant favorites, it seems like a plausible fight.
Don’t count it out: 30
### Women’s Flyweight: A Long Shot
Valentina Shevchenko is
Women’s Bantamweight: A Contender in the mix
Staying in
Chance: 10%
### So, Who Will It Be?
The Rolek: “The
We could see a pair of heavyweights. It’s anybody’s guess.
The UFC might pull a rabbit out of its hat, but all signs point to a women’s strawweight title fight.
What are the reasons why Sydney might not get a title fight at UFC 312?
## UFC 312: Will Sydney Finally Get a Title Fight?
**Host:** Welcome back fight fans! As we gear up for the UFC’s return to Sydney with UFC 312 this February, a big question remains: Will we finally see a title fight down under? Joining me today is renowned MMA analyst, Phillip Silva, to break down the possibilities. Phillip, thanks for joining us.
**Phillip Silva:** Always a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** So, Phillip, the UFC typically loves to put a belt on the line for their PPV events. Historically, when they don’t, it’s usually due to a big-name fighter, a last-minute injury, or a weight-cutting mishap. With UFC 312 looming, are we looking at a scenario without a title fight?
**Phillip Silva:** That’s right. It’s rare to see a PPV without a championship bout. The current landscape suggests we might be in for an exception this time, though.
**Host:** You mentioned the “landscape.” Let’s dive into that. What weight classes are even in contention for a Sydney showdown?
**Phillip Silva:** Well, looking at the Flyweight division, it’s highly unlikely. Pantoja’s just defending his title in December, and a quick turnaround for another fight is improbable.
**Host:** What about Featherweight, where Australia’s own Alex Volkanovski resides? Surely, a homecoming title defense would be a dream scenario!
**Phillip Silva:** Unfortunately, it doesn’t look promising. Topuria has been vocal about wanting a rematch on home turf in Spain.
Volkanovski might have to wait a little longer.
**Host:** So, it sounds like Sydney might miss out on a title fight this time around. Any other divisions showing potential?
**Phillip Silva:** Not really, at least not yet. We’ll have to keep a close eye on the upcoming fight announcements, but based on the current picture, a non-title card seems likely.
**Host:** Well, even without a championship belt on the line, UFC 312 promises to be an exciting night of fights. Phillip, thanks for sharing your expert insights.
**Phillip Silva:** My pleasure. See you all at the fights!
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