UFC 312 First Look: Du Plessis vs. Strickland II Betting Picks, Odds & Predictions

David Manyun
February 5, 2025

Top UFC Pick: Dricus Du Plessis Moneyline (-200) [2u to win 1u] at BetAnySports (visit our BetAnySports Review)

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Dana White and Co. go down under this weekend with a highly anticipated middleweight rematch where heavy leather will be exchanged in the UFC 312 main event live from Australia, and we’re covering all your betting needs with top-rated sportsbooks.

The new king of 185lbs, Dricus Du Plessis, meets the man he took the title from 13 months ago, Sean Strickland.

Read on for our complete betting guide with an early preview of the UFC 312 main event clash between Du Plessis and Strickland, including updated UFC odds and our free expert UFC first-look betting picks, predictions, and analysis.

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland

UFC 312 Middleweight Main Event Bout

UFC 312 Information

When: Saturday, February 08, 2025 – 06:00 PM ET
Where: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia
Scheduled Bouts: 13
Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2
Where to Watch: PPV & ESPN

UFC 312 Main Event Profiles

Dricus Du Plessis

Some would say Dricus Du Plessis isn’t a great martial artist. Others would suggest he’s the least talented champion on the UFC roster. In fact, the South African native has been aligned with the term ‘the worst-best fighter.’ However, this hasn’t stopped him from dominating the middleweight division, becoming champion, and remaining undefeated in the promotion (8-0) as he continues to prove the doubters wrong and defy the harsh criticism.

Du Plessis, with his awkward movement, untechnical striking, and unpredictable offense, remains a puzzle that the world’s best middleweights cannot solve. He might not have the cleanest weapons in the toolbox. Still, an unsuspecting gas tank, self-belief, and desire to win have assisted him in finishing six of his eight fights via KO/TKO or submission, including huge stars like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya.

One of DDP’s toughest tests to date was his maiden middleweight title shot against Sean Strickland. While the South African fighting pride did edge the contest by a split decision to become the new titleholder, the rematch has been requested ever since. This weekend in Sydney, he gets the opportunity to prove that it was no fluke victory by putting a stamp on his title reign with a clear victory over the former champ.

Du Plessis Best Moneyline Odds: (-200) at BetAnySports

Sean Strickland

He’s one of the most controversial figures outside of the UFC octagon, but inside that cage, there’s no denying that Sean Strickland is an elite competitor who, with his never-ending kickboxing offensive and solid takedown defense, has won 16 of his 21 UFC appearances since his debut in 2014.

Strickland famously became the second man to defeat Israel Adesanya at 185 pounds, thereby gaining his first taste of championship gold. Unfortunately, his weekend opponent, Du Plessis, cut his title reign short, although an incredibly close set of statistics and scorecard made a rematch almost inevitable.

Can ‘Tarzan’ write his wrongs and deliver a more convincing performance to guarantee success in his rematch with DDP? Or will it be another disappointing night for the man who’s political stance often overshadows how damn good he is!?

Strickland Best Moneyline Odds: (+175) at BetOnline

UFC 312: Tale of the Tape

UFC 312 Skillset Analysis: Styles Make Fights

Let’s be frank: explaining Du Plessis’ fighting style and success to date isn’t a simple task for analysts, including myself. There have been several moments where DDP has looked horrible, down on the scorecards, and also completely gassed, but somehow, he always fights through adversity and turns the tables on his opponents. There’s a killer instinct inside of the middleweight champ, and I’m not sure there’s a fighter on the roster who can stop him.

For Strickland, his first meeting with DDP resulted in the cliché Strickland offense: plenty of jabs and straight rights from a conventional boxing stance, as well as a few body kicks for good measure. And, of course, an endless amount of cardio that allowed him to outpace the majority of his opponents regarding striking numbers.

So, how did DDP walk away victorious? Well, on this particular night, the judges likely favored aggression and a mix of offense instead of overall striking output, as we saw the challenger use takedowns and striking. Strickland’s bloody face also compromised his defense and might have visually impacted the final scorecard.

Du Plessis Moneyline: The UFC 312 Best Bet Formula

Du Plessis’ ability to present a varied offense is likely why he’s entering UFC 312 as a considerable favorite, especially due to the closeness of the first fight. And it’s also why I believe he’s the side to be on this weekend. Preparing to rematch Strickland won’t be as difficult as it would be for DDP, as we have a recycled style versus an unpredictable one, and that’s why I wouldn’t be surprised if the champ were able to secure a finish this time around.

From switching stances, the heavier and more damaging strikes, to the takedown threat and ever-growing confidence, I have to side with the more well-rounded fighter in this one, even if his style isn’t the prettiest to watch: Du Plessis wins and cements his status as the best middleweight in the world.

UFC Pick: Dricus Du Plessis Moneyline (-200) [2u to win 1u] at BetAnySports

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*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.