UFC 312 Thoughts

What's up, guys? Last night was a spectacular display of skill, strategy, and sheer power at UFC 312. Let's dive into the fights and see what went down!

Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado

Kicking things off, we saw Jake Matthews step into the octagon, and what a performance it was! It was particularly exciting for me because I have a personal history with Jake—I fought him about 10 years ago. To see him still thriving in the UFC scene is incredible. Hats off to him for pulling through with a victory. Matthews showcased excellent technique and resilience, proving that experience and hard work truly pay off in the fight game.

Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato

Next, we had the Jimmy Crute fight. It was a tightly contested battle—one of those bouts where the decision could have gone either way. Crute put on a commendable performance, adding another close contest to his repertoire. The fight kept fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Justin Tafa vs. Tallison Teixeira 

The heavyweight bout was nothing short of electric! Justin Tafa faced off against Tallison Teixeira, and it was the classic display of heavyweight power. The bout culminated in a devastating elbow knockout. Watching a six-foot-seven giant maneuver in the ring was impressive. It's not easy facing off against someone with such a size advantage, especially when they pack such a punch. Congrats to the Brazilian fighter for securing the win.

Weili Zhang vs. Tatiana Suarez

Now, let's discuss the co-main event, which featured Weili Zhang vs. Tatiana Suarez. Weili performed phenomenally, showcasing strength and exceptional grappling skills against a wrestler of Tatiana's caliber. Watching someone who can effortlessly blend physical strength with technical prowess is always a treat. Weili’s performance further cemented her status as a world-class athlete. Her blend of 20 years of training and natural athletic ability were clear for all to see.

Weili’s grappling against a wrestler of Tatiana's level was one of the most impressive things I’ve seen.

Main Event: Sean Strickland vs.  Dricus Du Plessis 

The main event was a rollercoaster ride. Sean Strickland faced Dricus Du Plessis  in a match that was both thrilling and strategic. Although the fight was somewhat sloppy with back-and-forth exchanges, Du Plessis managed to win on the judges' scorecards for most of the rounds.

Dricus brought an unconventional style, constantly switching stances, which can throw opponents off their game. His coaches were urging him to increase his output, especially with the right hand. Despite a potentially broken nose and other injuries, Sean soldiered on, providing a gripping battle till the end.

The Art of Switching Stances

Dricus' stance-switching is a tactic more fighters are embracing. From Max Holloway to Israel Adesanya, many elite strikers employ this strategy to both confuse opponents and create opportunities. It’s a defensive maneuver that frustrates attackers and adds a layer of unpredictability to the fight. The traditional fight schools might consider this bad technique, but as we see more fighters like Terrence Crawford in boxing and others in MMA, stance-switching seems to be the future of striking.

Switching stances in MMA is honestly the future, pretty much the present now.

The Evolution of Modern MMA Fighters

The evolution of fighters in terms of technique and strategy is fascinating. Watching how today's fighters adapt and implement new strategies clearly shows how the sport has advanced. Seeing someone like Dracas effectively strike and win a fight predominantly on the feet by leveraging unorthodox tactics emphasizes how adaptable and innovative fighters need to be.

Conclusion

UFC 312 was filled with memorable moments and captivating bouts. From the skillful grappling displayed by Weili Zhang to the raw power in the heavyweight division, this event was a testament to the complexity and excitement MMA offers.

So, did you enjoy the fights as much as I did? Let me know in the comments below, and if you have any topics or questions about martial arts, I'd love to hear them. Also, for those new to martial arts and looking for guidance, check out my book, "The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Martial Arts School and Instructor"!