UFC 312 Showdown: Justin Tafa’s Big Return and How to Watch in NZ
Alright, fight fans, buckle up because UFC 312 is bringing the heat! This weekend, we’ve got an absolute banger on our hands, with Kiwi heavyweight Justin Tafa making his return to the octagon. He’s set to face off against undefeated Brazilian powerhouse Tallison Teixeira in Sydney, and trust me, this one has fireworks written all over it.
For Tafa, this fight is about reclaiming his spot in the heavyweight rankings. A year ago, he was on the cusp of breaking into the top 15, but injuries threw a wrench in his plans. Now, he’s stepping back into the cage against a dangerous newcomer, and he’s ready to remind everyone why he belongs in the UFC. Tafa’s got a reputation for slugging it out, and against a taller, longer opponent like Teixeira, he’ll need to close the distance and turn this into a brawl—just the way he likes it.
“If they’re tall, it’s always going to be a hard task,” Tafa said. “But height is only good if you know how to use it.” That’s the mentality he’s bringing into this fight. He’s looking for a war, a real test of willpower. Teixeira might have the reach advantage, but if Tafa gets inside, we could see another highlight-reel knockout.
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And he’s not the only Kiwi with skin in the game—French welterweight Kevin Jousset and Chinese lightweight Rong Zhu, both training out of Auckland’s City Kickboxing, will also be in action on the early prelims.
So, how do you catch all the action in New Zealand? The early prelims start at 12:30 PM on UFC Fight Pass, with the prelims following at 2:00 PM on UFC Fight Pass, Sky Open, ESPN 2, and Sky Sport Now. The main card, where Tafa throws down, kicks off at 4:00 PM and is available for pay-per-view on Sky Arena, Sky Sport Now, and UFC Fight Pass for $44.95.
Of course, Tafa’s fight is just one piece of the puzzle. UFC 312 is headlined by two title fights—Dricus du Plessis defends his middleweight belt against former champ Sean Strickland in a rematch of their razor-close bout last year, while strawweight queen Weili Zhang looks to fend off the undefeated Tatiana Suarez. The card is stacked with Australian and Kiwi talent, making this a must-watch for fight fans in our part of the world.
If you’re looking to place a bet, the odds are shifting, but as of now, Tafa is a slight underdog at $2.25 against Teixeira’s $1.65. Meanwhile, Du Plessis is favored at $1.42 against Strickland’s $2.85.
Bottom line—UFC 312 is shaping up to be a wild night of fights, and Justin Tafa is on a mission to prove he’s still a force in the heavyweight division. Tune in, because this one’s got the potential to be an absolute war!
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