UFC Predictions & Odds: Expert Picks for UFC 312 - Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2
The middleweight division is once again at the center of the UFC universe, with the champ, Dricus Du Plessis, and Sean Strickland meeting for a rematch at UFC 312. Du Plessis is the overwhelming favorite (-205) to retain his belt, according to our best sports betting sites.
Our UFC 312 predictions break down the night's best tilts from a betting perspective. Also, our UFC 312 odds and betting lines highlight the updated odds for each bout on the card, including the early prelims.
The main card begins at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+ pay-per-view) from Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
UFC predictions & picks: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland 2
(Odds via our best UFC betting sites; UFC picks confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale)
- Dricus Du Plessis to win by decision v. Sean Strickland (+150 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Zhang Weili ML v. Tatiana Suarez (+105 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐
- Tallison Teixeira to win by KO/TKO/DQ v. Justin Tafa (+110 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Rodolfo Bellato to win by KO/TKO/DQ v. Jimmy Crute (+155 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐
UFC 312 expert picks
Dricus Du Plessis to win by decision v. Sean Strickland ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: +150 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 40%
The quasi-rivalry atop the middleweight division began with a scrap in the UFC 296 stands and features two off-the-wall individuals, and two of the most calculated fighters in the sport. The versatility each possesses - especially the champ, coming from a judo background - means this fight could go in any direction.
However, one thing Du Plessis has proven during his 10-fight unbeaten run is that he's adaptable. The nerves of a first title fight and subsequent defense are out of the way. Now it's time for the South African to retain the belt. I believe he'll do so at UFC 312.
There's little value in picking Du Plessis to win the fight straight up at -205 odds. We're therefore considering the result at UFC 297, and the fact that eight of Strickland's last 10 bouts have gone to a decision. It's easy to envision a similar outcome in the second installment.
BetMGM is offering the best odds among our best sports betting apps on this result at +150.
Du Plessis vs. Strickland live odds
Zhang Weili ML v. Tatiana Suarez ⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: +105 via BetMGM | Implied probability: 48.78%
There are certain people in sports you simply do not bet against. Patrick Mahomes is perhaps the most popular example of this principle, but Weili is another.
Since jumping to the UFC in 2018, only one woman (Rose Namajunas) has been able to get the better of Zhang. We're banking on it staying that way.
Suarez is a popular pick in the market due to her excellent conditioning, adeptness on the ground, and perfect 11-0 record. The American was a value play at plus money, and she might've been our pick had she remained an underdog. But you won't catch us picking against the champion until she's dethroned.
That's especially true when Zhang is given +105 odds to win outright.
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Zhang vs. Suarez live odds
Tallison Teixeira to win by KO/TKO/DQ v. Justin Tafa ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: +110 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 47.62%
How does an individual go from the Legacy Fight Alliance to Dana White's Contender Series to a UFC pay-per-view main card in three fights? Explosive finishes.
Teixeira has logged seven bouts throughout his professional career. He's registered six knockouts and one win via submission during those fights, all coming inside the first round.
Do we need to justify this selection any further?
Teixeira also measures up extremely well against Tafa. The Brazilian heavyweight will enjoy seven inches of height, nine inches of reach, and three inches of leg reach over his foe.
Tafa is coming off a loss too, his fourth in the Australian's last nine fights. We're looking at Teixeira to win in a dazzling way.
Teixeira vs. Tafa live odds
Rodolfo Bellato to win by KO/TKO/DQ v. Jimmy Crute ⭐⭐⭐
Best odds: +155 via FanDuel | Implied probability: 39.22%
With all due respect to Crute, the Australian would be nowhere near a pay-per-view event's main card if it wasn't for UFC 312 being held in Sydney.
He's recorded three losses and one draw in his last four, and Crute is 2-4-1 in his last seven outings. Crute's last win came back in 2020, and his opponent has won six of his seven fights in that span.
Bellato is riding a four-fight winning streak, including three via knockout. As such, we're backing the Brazilian to pick up his eighth career win via KO/TKO against Crute.
FanDuel is posting the best odds in this market at +155. Those odds carry a 39.22% implied probability.
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Bellato vs. Crute live odds
UFC 312 expert picks & predictions
- UFC 312 odds and betting lines
- UFC predictions and odds
- Zhang vs. Suarez prediction
- Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 prediction
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