Fight Forecast: Du Plessis vs Strickland 2 Predictions
Fight Night Down Under brings an exciting title defense for Zhang Weili as she faces off against undefeated wrestling phenom Tatiana Suarez for the strawweight championship. This event also features Justin Tafa taking on unbeaten newcomer Tallison Teixeira, and Australian standouts Jimmy Crute and Jake Matthews going head-to-head in featured bouts.
Here's a look at some key matchups:
MAIN CARD
When: Sunday, February 9, 5:00 AM SAST
Dricus du Plessis (1.45) v Sean Strickland (2.62) (Middleweight Championship)
South Africa's first UFC champion, Dricus du Plessis, looks to defend his title against the outspoken Sean Strickland, who's gunning for redemption in their rematch. Du Plessis enters as the 185-pound champion, while Strickland serves as the challenger following their first encounter in January 2024, where Du Plessis secured a split-decision victory.
Du Plessis followed up his historic win by submitting former two-time champion Israel Adesanya in August, setting up his return to Australia for a title defense. Strickland, for his part, has a unique, methodical fighting style that involves constant forward pressure, endless jabs, and teep kicks to tire out his opponents.
However, Du Plessis, known for his overwhelming power, grit, unorthodox striking, and strong grappling, has proven he can handle Strickland's style. With superior skill and a clear momentum advantage, bank on the South African champion to outlast Strickland.
Prediction: Du Plessis by decision.
Best Bet: Du Plessis at 1.45.
Zhang Weili (1.95) v Tatiana Suarez (1.80) (Strawweight Championship)
The co-main event promises to be an electrifying strawweight championship clash between Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez.
In her second reign as champion, Zhang boasts an incredible speed and complete skillset. coming off a decision win over Yan Xiaonan in their historic title fight last April, she's on a four-match victory streak.
Suarez, meanwhile, holds a perfect 10-0 record and made an impressive return to action following a three-year break, submitting Montana de la Rosa at flyweight and defeating former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade last October.
With unparalleled wrestling skills and a substantial size, strength, and skill advantage, Suarez is poised to outmaneuver Zhang and become the new champion.
Prediction: Suarez by submission.
Best Bet: Suarez at 1.80.
Justin Tafa (2.05) v Tallison Teixeira (1.72) (Heavyweight)
This heavyweight bout promises fireworks as Justin Tafa takes on undefeated newcomer Tallison Teixeira. Both fighters boast a perfect 100% finish rate, so don't blink!
Tafa, also known as "Bad Man," is known for his raw power and aggressive southpaw style. Teixeira, meanwhile, towers over Tafa with a staggering nine-inch reach advantage and seems to be a superior athlete.
The young Brazilian has impressed on the Contender Series and is set to make a splash in the UFC.
Prediction: Teixeira by knockout.
Best Bet: Teixeira by KO/TKO/DQ at 2.37.
Jimmy Crute (2.25) v Rodolfo Bellato (1.60) (Light Heavyweight)
Local favorite Jimmy Crute returns to the Octagon after an 18-month layoff, aiming to rebound from a string of losses. Brazil's Rodolfo Bellato enters the contest following an impressive debut win over Ihor Potieria in late 2023.
Crute's grappling skills and experience should give him an edge; however, Bellato's power and strong striking game make him a formidable opponent. Unfortunately for Crute, the rising prospect from Brazil seems primed to upstage the home-town favorite.
Prediction: Bellato by knockout.
Best Bet: Bellato by KO/TKO/DQ at 2.72.
Jake Matthews (1.42) v Francisco Prado (2.80) (Welterweight)
In the opening bout of the main card, Jake Matthews battles Francisco Prado. With 13 UFC wins under his belt, Matthews has yet to break into the welterweight top 15. Prado, a prospect with incredible potential, aims to leave his mark in the division. Although Matthews has the experience advantage, Prado's finishing prowess and youth could give him the edge.
Prediction: Prado by decision.
Best Bet: Over 2.5 rounds at 1.57.
Rugby and sports betting enthusiasts might find their excitement waned, as Fight Night Down Under focuses primarily on mixed-martial-arts, with UFC showcasing a plethora of enticing matchups. South Africa's Dricus du Plessis, champion in the middleweight division, faces off against challenger Sean Strickland in a rematch, following Du Plessis' split-decision victory in January 2024.
Du Plessis, a formidable force known for his power and unorthodox striking, is the 1.45 favorite over Strickland, who employs a unique, methodical fighting style. With a complete skillset, Zhang Weili, the strawweight champion, will square off against Tatiana Suarez in a co-main event. Suarez, with her unparalleled wrestling skills and substantial size advantage, is favored to become the new champion, over Weili at 1.80.
Justin Tafa, also known as "Bad Man," locks horns with the undefeated newcomer, Tallison Teixeira, in a heavyweight bout. Both fighters boast perfect finish rates, so fans should brace themselves for an exhilarating clash, with Teixeira predicted to emerge victorious by knockout.
In other matchups, Australian standouts Jimmy Crute and Jake Matthews will engage in featured bouts, while local favorite Jimmy Crute faces off against Rodolfo Bellato. Bellato, a promising talent from Brazil, is favored to outmaneuver Crute and spoil the home crowd. Lastly, Francisco Prado takes on Jake Matthews, with Prado's youth and finishing prowess giving him the edge, according to the predictions.
