The UFC is traveling to Australia this week for two title fights, and one is a rematch. The card will feature a lot of Australian and Asian prospects due to the proximity, but not the main event.
South African Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Sean Strickland, who he took the belt from in 2024. Zhang Weili will also defend her belt against the undefeated Tatiana Suarez.
The fights should be entertaining and the crowd will be electric in Sydney. The early prelims begin at 6:00 p.m. EST and the main card will start at 10:00 p.m. on pay-per-view (PPV).
Get instant alerts when a line reaches your target via the BettingPros App >>
UFC 312 Preliminary Card Picks & Predictions (2025)
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Jonathan Micallef (+195) vs. Kevin Jousset (–238)
Jonathan Micallef is making his UFC debut after earning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series against Kevin Jousset. Jousset is 2-1 in the UFC and lost his last fight via knockout to Bryan Battle in September. Micallef has limited striking tape against high-level strikers, which could be a concern against a technical fighter like Jousset. Jousset has struggled against fighters who pressure him, which Micallef will do in this matchup.
Jousset lands 7.73 significant strikes and absorbs 6.92 significant strikes per minute, so he is there to be hit. He has defended 100% of takedowns in the UFC, but Micallef probably has the wrestling advantage. This matchup is good for Micallef in his debut, and he can win this fight with his pressure style.
Micallef landed one takedown against Mohamed Ado on the Contender Series and submitted him quickly with a triangle choke. Micallef will also have a two-inch reach advantage as a southpaw, which will be an interesting style for Jousset. I like Micallef to pull off the upset against the 31-year-old Jousset.
Bet: Jonathan Micallef (+195)
Tom Nolan (+102) vs. Viacheslav Borschev (–122)
Tom Nolan is an exciting prospect in the UFC and is underrated thus far in his career. He is 2-1 in the UFC and lost via knockout in his debut against Nikolas Motta. Viacheslav Borschev is a technical fighter but he is predictable. He does not shoot takedowns and has only defended 35% of them in the UFC.
Borschev is 3-3-1 in the UFC and won his last fight by split decision against James Llontop. Nolan should incorporate a wrestling game plan, which he has not shown in the UFC. He is a decent wrestler but has not had to show it in any matchups thus far.
Nolan can also stand with Borschev, but he would put it in the hands of the judges. His best path to victory is to mix in takedowns and get Borschev on his back, where he has had trouble getting up throughout his career.
Nolan will also have the crowd behind him in Australia, which should help him overcome any adversity. Nolan is also eight years younger, and the younger fighter has won 68% of the time. I am backing Nolan in Sydney with the youthful advantage.
Bet: Tom Nolan (+102)
