As the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues to reveal its electrifying lineup for UFC 312, the event scheduled for February 8 is garnering considerable attention, particularly within the featherweight division. While the specter of a title rematch between Ilia Topuria and current featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski looms on the horizon—anticipated to unfold later in 2025—this upcoming card has already taken an intriguing turn with the injury-related reshuffling of fighters.
Cody Haddon’s unfortunate broken foot has created a ripple effect within the fight community, pulling him from his scheduled bout against the promising Aleksandre Topuria on this Sydney card. In a bid to maintain the competitive vigor of the event, the UFC has enlisted Colby Thicknesse as a replacement fighter. Thicknesse, a newcomer to the UFC arena, has his own aspirations for greatness, and the chance to showcase his talent against a competitor like Topuria offers both a challenge and an opportunity.
Emerging Fighters and Career Notables
Entering the octagon for his debut, Aleksandre Topuria (5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who is the sibling of Ilia Topuria, is an exciting prospect within the featherweight division. This fight represents a significant milestone in his career trajectory, occurring merely six fights into his professional journey. Notably, Topuria has shown an aggressive fight style so far, having never gone the distance in his professional bouts. His record of three TKOs and two submission victories highlights a penchant for finishing fights, setting the stage for a potentially explosive performance.
Colby Thicknesse (7-0 MMA, 0-0 UFC), on the other hand, enters this matchup as a well-prepared fighter, having trained alongside Volkanovski. Thicknesse’s recent achievements, including claiming the HEX Fight Series bantamweight title, add credibility to his skill set. With four of his seven victories coming by way of stoppage, Thicknesse’s trajectory suggests that he thrives in high-pressure situations—a trait that will be crucial as he steps into the octagon against Topuria.
Diverse Fight Card Composition
UFC 312 promises not only this intriguing featherweight clash but also a robust lineup of fights across various divisions, heightening the event’s overall appeal. Featured matchups include Dricus Du Plessis defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland, along with a highly anticipated strawweight title fight between Zhang Weili and Tatiana Suarez.
In addition to these headline fights, a mix of established veterans and budding talent will compete, making UFC 312 a must-watch event. The card includes bouts featuring notable fighters such as Justin Tafa, Jimmy Crute, and Jake Matthews, each bringing their unique styles and stories into the octagon.
As the fight enthusiasts eagerly await UFC 312, the reshuffling of fighters like Thicknesse stepping in for Haddon adds an unexpected layer of excitement to the already dynamic fight card. The rise of new talent in conjunction with established champions and contenders showcases the vast and competitive landscape of the UFC. Fans can certainly look forward to a thrilling night packed with unforgettable moments and potential career advancements as these fighters seize their opportunities in the octagon.