Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez: UFC 312 Picks, Predictions and Odds

Two-time Strawweight champion Weili Zhang (25-3-0) faces first-time title challenger Tatiana Suarez (10-0-0) in the co-main event at UFC 312.

The card will take place on Saturday, February 8 at the Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, Australia.

The fights will begin at 6 PM ET with the Early Preliminary Card, followed by the Preliminary Card at 8 PM ET and the Main Card at 10 PM ET.

Our article will give you our two best bets for the main event, as well as the current moneyline odds for Weili Zhang vs. Tatiana Suarez.

Weili Zhang vs. Tatiana Suarez betting picks and predictions

Over 2.5 rounds (-210)

Tactics will prove key here in an interesting stylistic match-up.

Zhang rides a four-bout win streak coming into this fight, regaining her belt three fights ago when submitting Carla Esparza at UFC 281 in late 2022.

The 35-year-old has had two defences in her second reign as champion, adopting a more grapple-heavy approach in decision wins over Amanda Lemos and Xiaonan Yan.

The unbeaten Suarez is an elite wrestler, which she has demonstrated each time she has stepped into the Octagon, gaining four submission wins so far in the UFC.

The American averages 6.20 takedowns per 15 minutes, compared to 2.51 for Zhang, boasting a 63% success rate.

Grappling is almost certain to play a big part in this contest, which could well see this one go late or to the judges' scorecards.

Tatiana Suarez to win by Submission or Decision - double chance (+115)

Zhang has good striking, showcased by a highlight reel knockout of Joanna Jędrzejczyk in 2022 and a brutal TKO of Jessica Andrade, when first winning the title in 2019.

Keeping this standing may be her best chance of winning this fight, however, the Chinese fighter possesses only a 50% takedown defense.

In her rematch with Rose Namajunas, which Zhang lost by split decision, she utilised takedowns to mix up her offense, landing five of 11 and gaining 3:37 minutes of control time. 

However the American was able to land both takedowns she attempted on Zhang and rack up over seven minutes of control time.

While the activity of Suarez is a concern with her last octagon appearance coming back in August 2023, she has still retained a 10-0 record despite long periods of inactivity throughout her career.

Suarez has showcased her elite grappling in wins over the likes of Alexa Grasso (submission), Esparza (TKO) and Andrade (submission), who have all held UFC gold. 

The wrestling offence of Suarez could prove too much even for Zhang and we could see the title change hands.

Weili Zhang vs. Tatiana Suarez odds

	Weili Zhang	Tatiana Suarez
Moneyline	-110	-110
By Decision or Technical Decision	260	400
By KO, TKO or DQ	300	700
By Submission	1400	260

Total Rounds	Over	Under
1.5	-390	275
2.5	-200	150
3.5	-125	-115
4.5	105	-145

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.