UFC 312 – Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis LIVE: Brutal moment American UFC star who called Australia a ‘communist country’ gets his nose broken during gruesome title fight in Sydney

Dricus Du Plessis landed a brutal right hook on Sean Strickland’s nose in the fourth round that left the American’s face covered in blood.

In fact, as Strickland wheeled away from his opponent, stunned by the monstrous strike, footage showed the extent of the damage the reigning middleweight champion’s fist had caused to his opponent’s face.

The top of Strickland’s nose was crooked and with a member of the commentary team shouting ‘Uh oh, it’s broken!’

As blood streamed down his face, Strickland stepped back and reached for his nose and appeared to grab it multiple times.

He later revealed as he walked back to his corner in between the fourth and the fifth rounds that he had reset his nose.

‘It’s broke but I reset it,’ Strickland said to his corner, before later confirming the suspicion to fans inside the stadium.

I f***ing love you guys man. When that f***er broke my nose I was like: “Oh that doesn’t f***ing feel right”. Popped it back in place and I kept on fighting

The American, 33, who had previously branded Australia ‘communist’ in a wild rant, would ultimately suffer a unanimous decision defeat to Du Plessis, who retained his middleweight title in what was a dominant display.

On realising his opponent had broken his nose, Du Plessis admitted it was hard to ‘stay calm’.

It was really hard, once I saw him grabbing at his nose, to stay calm. I got a bit over excited and said: “Yo, the man is running and he’s running hard. Don’t out-punch yourself.” It took me about 30 seconds to a minute to get everything back to composure.

I don’t want to make a habit of these decisions, but against a competitor like that. It means the absolute world. South Africa back home, Australia thank you so much for all the support. I am a top three pound for pound fighter as of tonight and I’m coming for that No 1 spot.

UFC president Dana White has hit back at Australian media outlets.

It came after an opinion article published in The Sydney Morning Herald by Bevan Shields had criticised both White and the New South Wales government for hosting the MMA event in Sydney this weekend.

It also comes as White clapped back at The Daily Telegraph, who had slammed Sean Strickland’s explosive comments that ‘Aussies are English white trash’ by claiming ‘Will someone, please knock this guy out’.

But White today has hit back at the Australian media, stating in his post-fight press conference: ‘For a place that is so tough and the people, everything on land and in the water can kill you – you have the biggest p****** I have ever seen in the media in my life.

‘I saw a story where a guy was like: “I saw Dana do a podcast with the (NSW) Premier and it made me physically sick. Holy f***ing s*** you guys have to have the biggest p****** of all time in the media here. Just for the record.’

Sean Strickland has been branded a ‘warrior’ by some MMA fans online after he appeared to re-set his broken nose himself during the fight.

Dricus Du Plessis landed a brutal right-hand hook on his opponent during the fourth round of the bout, sending blood pouring down the American’s face.

Strickland wheeled away and had appeared to suffer a nasty break to his nose. He was subsequently seen reaching for his nose attempting to re-set the break, with the US MMA star later revealing to his team that he had pushed is nose back into position.

One fan called him a ‘warrior’ on X following the moment.

‘He’s a warrior for continuing,’ they wrote.

Another added: ‘Fighters are a different breed man.’

In a moment no one at the Qudos Bank Arena saw coming, bizarrely, rivals Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira were pictured sitting down smiling next to each other during the fight.

They had seemingly put their differences aside and cut friendly figures in the crowd as they watched the bloody slugfest unfold.

The pair enjoyed a seven-year rivalry which included three fights across multiple disciplines with Adesanya losing all three bouts against Pereira.

‘Most unexpected link up of all time lmao,’ one fan wrote.

‘Now that’s a plot twist!!’ another added.

Thanassi Kokkinakis, among several other Aussie sports stars, were in the house for tonight’s bout.

Kokkinakis looked on pensively as Dricus Du Plessis claimed victory against Sean Strickland.

Kokkinakis is currently fighting back after a pectoral injury cut short his Australian Open campaign, after he was beaten by British star Jack Draper in the second round and then crashed out of the men’s doubles alongside Nick Kyrgios in their first match.

Justin McInerney and Tom Papley of the Swans were also in the house for the bout!

It’s a mixed reception for Strickland who grabs the mic and delivered a very short speech.

But we were unable to hear most of what Strickland had said, with Fox broadcasters censoring out most of the American’s speech.

I’ll make this quick, let me take this for a sec.

Dricus Du Plessis is a bad motherf***er. You guys, you fuel me

The South African ran over to embrace his partner Vasti Spiller after the bout, with the pair beaming from ear-to-ear with delight at his victory.

I told you guys, when I come in here I want to knock him out but to knock him out is next to impossible.

I’d have loved another round but that’s not the game. I told you I want a submission or a knock out or an absolute domination of a five-rounder.

That’s what I gave. I gave it my all I’m sorry I couldn’t get him out here but thank you Sydney. I know you guys booed me but to hear this at the end of a fight means the world to me.

Sean is an absolute animal and deserves all the hype.)

Champion Dricus Du Plessis is awarded the victory and deneds his belt.

“I gave it my all – I tried to get him out of here,” he told the crowd.

“Sean is an absolute animal.”

Strickland reset his nose during the break. He comes out with a good jab early in the final round. DDP might have won every round here. DDP is not sitting on this lead and keeps coming forward with big shots. Strickland cops another shot in his busted nose. He is covered in blood. Strickland continues to try and turn the tide in this fight, but the champ is too good. Both men swinging for the fences in the final minute. Too little too late for Strickland. Brilliant performance from the champ!

DDP lands a nice right hand – looks to have broken Strickland’s nose. Blood is gushing! The champ continues to come forward. Strickland is touching his face but seems to have recovered from the shock of the shot. DDP lands the right hand again! The challenger is busted up, blood all over his chest. His moustache is red. Another big right lands for the champ. DDP is clearly on top as we enter the Fifth!

Strickland landing his jab in the early stages. He looks better this round. DDP is throwing big shots but the American’s defence is sound. DDP lands solid right hand and continues to pepper Strickland’s body with kicks. The champ lands a slick spinning elbow in the final minute. Strickland returns fire with a big right hand. Another very close round!

DDP is leading the dance in Round 2. Very agressive with kicks early. Strickland looks composed but needs to get a move on. Strickland lands a good right hand over the top. DDP continues to punish Strickland’s legs with kicks. DDP is cut on the bridge of his nose, while the American is bleeding from his mouth. Still no takedown attempt from either man. DDP probably has this round too. Close.

Fighters don’t touch gloves. DDP looks enormous out there. Both fighters exchange punches. Strickland works to establish his jab. DDP is countering with excellent kicks. Strickland needs to check these. The American continues to land that jab. Both fighters keeping their powder dry, throwing mostly probing single shots. DDP mixing it up in the remaining minute landing a nice right hand and finishes with a flurry. DDP had more activity. Close round.

Undisputed UFC middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis is in the Octagon. He looks pumped for this as Strickland eyes him from accross the cage.

Sean Strickland is walking out to the Octagon and the crowd are on their feet. This fight is huge.

It’s been a long afternoon, but South African star Dricus du Plessis is ready to defend his middleweight championship belt against outspoken American Sean Strickland, in what promises to be a fiery rematch.

Another excellent performance from the dominant strawweight champ.

With her win Zhang Weili ties Joanna Jedrzejczyk for most title fight wins in UFC strawweight history with six!

The crowd is their feet for the final round. Both women are throwing big shots. Zhang lands a clean right hand! Suarez is trying to get her rival down – but is having no luck so far. Zhang landing again – knees, elbows and punches! Suarez is showing heart but she can’t keep this pace. Zhang has total control and is dominating this bout. Zhang is on top with 30 seconds to go – she’s hoping to finish Suarez off. The bell sounds.

Suarez lands good shot early in the round. Zhang replies with a takedown and rains down punches from on top. Suarez has a deep gash on her knee. Zhang has an arm triangle but Suarez escapes. The champ is looking stronger and stronger as this fight progresses. Zhang is controlling the action and is the fresher fighter. She finishes the round on top. Another round for the champ. Onto the fifth!

Great kick from the champ to open the round. She’s landing punches now too. Big right hand! Suarez is backing up. Zhang has a clear speed advantage. Suarez is now trying to get Zhang to the floor – but the champ defends. Zhang continues to land her straight shots. Excellent movement from Zhang too – very light on her feet. Zhang’s round.

Suarez’s left eye is starting to swell. Worth keeping an eye on. Both women are grappling again. Zhang has got Suarez on her back and elbowing. Both fighters up now. Suarez trying to grapple, but the champ is defending well. Zhang lands a punishing 1-2 combo and looks to be settling in. Zhang looks the more energetic fighter now. Big momentum shift with a minute to go. Suarez is looking a little tired out here. Good round for the champion.

Blistering start to this bout. Suarez is trying to use her range to keep the champ at bay. Suarez gets Zhang down with her first attempt. Zhang looks comfortable on her back as she tries to elevate her opponent. Both fighters working for position. Zhang is landing shots from her back. Zhang now on top. She’s trying to come back and win this round. Bell sounds.

Champion Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez are in the Octagon. Both fighters looking very determined. We are expecting fireworks.

Undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez has overcome tremendous challenges in her life to be here today.

Many have tipped her to win UFC gold over the years, but shocking injuries – and thyroid cancer – have kept her sidelined.

Dethroning the 115-pound champion today is a monumental task, but Suarez says she’s up to it.

“I think I can do that to anybody in the world,” Suarez told press this week when asked if she could break Zhang.

“I’m super relentless. I keep going. I have a really good gas tank. The thing that separates me from a lot of people is just my relentlessness. My wrestling is second to none.”

Teixeira pays tribute to Tafa after the fight and says he planned the shots that finished Tafa.

Both men throwing bombs early. OH! Teixeira drops Tafa with an elbow after landing a knee. Fight over!

Tafa is protesting the stoppage. Huge win for the debutant.

Big-punching Tafa is hoping to soon enter the top-10 rankings at heavyweight with a win today.

He will have his work cut out for him against talented Dana White’s Contender Series signee Tallison Teixeira. Expect fireworks!

Judges call it a majority draw with 29-27, 28-28 and 28-28 on the cards.

Bellato looks fresher this round. Both men swinging big. Crute dives for a takedown – Bellato stuffs it. Bellato landing great leg kicks. Heavy shots. Bellato takes the Aussie down, both men looking exhausted. Back up now. Crute breathing through his mouth. Crute starting to land good cominations. Bellato finishes strong. Maybe his round. Close fight.

Bellato looks shell-shocked. Crute looks dialled. Both fighters connecting early. Crute landing the better shots. Bellato landing good shots the Crute’s torso. Both men fighting with hands down. Crowd is singing for the local! Both fighters standing in the pocket and exchanging. Bellato is starting to pick it up and land. Crute is starting to look tired. Bellato not worrying about defence in any way. Fantastic fight! We go to the third. Very close round!

Slow start to the round – both fighters cagey. Crute is landing with kicks. Crute gets Bellato on his back. Dangerous position for the big Brazilian. Crute landing good shots from on top as Bellato tries to get up. Bellato eats several elbows and can’t escape. Crute battering him. Bellato has only landed one strike this round. Both fighters up now. Oh! Crute drops Bellato with huge right hand. The bell sounds.

The Aussie light-heavyweight hasn’t set foot in the Octagon since July 2023 when he gave up the sport.

After some time away to get his mind right, Crute found himself back in the gym and as hungry as ever.

“I’m going to knock him out,” he told ESPN. “I’m going to go in there and go to war. That’s it.”

Crute is the underdog here against Brazil’s Rodolfo Bellato – and he certainly has something to prove.

Matthews: ‘I love fighting in front of the Aussie fans!’

Matthews comes out looking to finish the fight. He’s walking down Prado throwing hard shots. It’s mainly boxing though – neither fighter kicking enough. Prado starting to look tired with three minutes to go. Oh! Matthews lands big left hook! Buckles Prado for a moment. Prado is still upright and has clinched up. Matthews lands again with the right hand. The bell sounds.

Matthews comes out with agression. Landing big shots. Blood is trickling into Prado’s eye. Prado lands some good clinch knees, but the Aussie has shrugged them off. Matthews has hardly taken a backward step. Matthews lands excelllent uppercut as Prado comes in. Prado tries to tie Matthews up on the cage – the ref is calling for more action. Matthews is on his toes and landing good combos. Another strong round for the Australian fighter.

Both fighters trade shots early. Matthews’ jab is finding a home. He’s looking very sharp. Prado is wading in to overcome the reach disadvantage. Both fighters clinch – Aussie gets the better of it. Matthews seems to have a speed advantage. Prado lands some nice leg kicks. Prado takes Matthews down. Both are back up. Prado is cut.

Great start for Matthews.

Tonight’s main card opens with a tough welterweight encounter where Victorian Jake Matthews will look to stabilise himself in the UFC.

The 30-year-old Aussie star has been part of the promotion since 2014 with an astonishing 20 fights.

Prado told press this week that Matthews’ best days are behind him – but Matthews believes his decade of experience will help him get the job done.

Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Sean Strickland

Zhang Weili (c) vs Tatiana Suarez

Justin Tafa vs Tallison Teixeira

Jimmy Crute vs Rodolfo Bellato

Jake Matthews vs Francisco Prado

Excellent performance from Santos after being dropped by head kick early on.

He eventually submitted the Aussie in the third after landing a brutal front kick.

The crowd is screaming for popular Aussie Jack Jenkins as he readies to fight Gabriel Santos.

Main card not too far away.

Nick and Peter Daicos are enjoying the show in Sydney.

Queenslander Tom Nolan gets the W over Viacheslav Borshchev with a slick decision victory.

Expect big things from this 6’3 lightweight!

Chinese MMA star Wang Cong got her hand raised against Bruna Brasil with a decision victory (30-27 x 3). Clinical performance.

Two of the biggest rivals in the sport, Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, are currently seated together watching UFC 312!

Not the most exciting fight of the day – but Aleksandre Topuria has done enough to claim the win by decision.

Rong Zhu defeated Kody Steele via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

Jonathan Micallef defeated Kevin Jousset via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Quillan Salkilld defeated Anshul Jubli via TKO (punches) – Round 1

Aussie UFC superstar Alex Volkanovski is working the corner of teammate Colby Thicknesse today.

Thicknesse is making his debut against Aleksandre Topuria, the older brother of Volk’s heated rival, featherweight champ, Ilia.

Victorian welterweight Jonathan Micallef has notched up a W on debut against Kevin Joussett.

He dropped Joussett in the first round with a head kick and went on to win the fight by decision.

‘Keep an eye on me!’ he declared afterwards. We certainly will.

Australian lightweight rookie Quillan Salkilld finished his opponent Anshul Jubli in just 19 seconds.

It’s the second quickest knockout by a lightweight debutant in the UFC’s history.

Two belts on the line today at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Sean Strickland (middleweight)

Zhang Weili (c) vs Tatiana Suarez (strawweight)

Justin Tafa vs Tallison Teixeira (heavyweight)

Jimmy Crute vs Rodolfo Bellato (light heavyweight)

Jake Matthews vs Francisco Prado (welterweight)

Jack Jenkins vs Gabriel Santos (featherweight)

Tom Nolan vs Viacheslav Borshchev (lightweight)

Wang Cong vs Bruna Brasil (flyweight)

Colby Thicknesse vs Aleksandre Topuria (bantamweight)

Kody Steele vs Rongzhu (lightweight)

Jonathan Micallef vs Kevin Jousset (welterweight)

Quillan Salkilld vs Anshul Jubli (lightweight)

And welcome to Daily Mail Australia’s coverage of today’s UFC 312 card from the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.

We have an excellent main card in store, headlined by a pair of must-see matchups.

In the co-main event, China’s Zhang Weili will defend her straw-weight title against top-ranked challenger Tatiana Suarez.

Then, in our main event Sean Strickland gets his shot at getting back his belt from Dricus Du Plessis in a highly-anticipated middleweight rematch.

So stick with us for all the news and updates for what promises to be an exciting event.