Ali Akbar Rosady
Oklahoma City, OK – Dricus du Plessis delivered a comprehensive performance against Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Fight Night at the Paycom Center on Saturday, July 18, 2026, securing a unanimous decision victory and immediately calling for a shot at the UFC Middleweight Championship. The former divisional titleholder showcased a well-rounded skillset, demonstrating striking prowess, relentless pressure, and tactical grappling to decisively outpoint the revered former Welterweight King.
The highly anticipated clash pitted two of the sport’s most formidable figures against each other, albeit in different phases of their careers. For Dricus du Plessis, the bout represented a critical juncture following his loss of the middleweight title. Hailing from South Africa, "Stillknocks" entered the octagon with a professional record of 22 wins and 3 losses, having previously captured the UFC Middleweight Championship and successfully defended it once before losing it in a closely contested bout. Known for his unorthodox striking, relentless forward pressure, and underrated grappling, du Plessis has carved a reputation as a high-volume, high-aggression fighter whose conditioning allows him to maintain a punishing pace throughout championship rounds. His previous two victories over current champion Sean Strickland had provided a strong narrative for a potential trilogy, and this fight against Usman was seen as a crucial step in solidifying his claim to a rematch and regaining the coveted gold. Du Plessis’s camp had emphasized a strategy of consistent pressure and varied attacks, aiming to prevent Usman from settling into his rhythm and leveraging his formidable wrestling base.
On the other side of the cage stood Kamaru Usman, a fighter whose legacy as one of the most dominant welterweight champions in UFC history is already etched in the annals of mixed martial arts. Usman, with a record of 20 wins and 5 losses prior to this fight, had reigned over the welterweight division with an iron fist, defending his title multiple times against elite competition. His move to the middleweight division, while not entirely new, still presented questions regarding his power and ability to impose his grappling against naturally larger opponents. "The Nigerian Nightmare" is renowned for his suffocating wrestling, powerful ground-and-pound, and increasingly polished striking, particularly his jab. His last outings had seen him navigate tough challenges, but also experience losses that hinted at the wear and tear of a long, illustrious career. Usman’s decision to compete at 185 pounds against a top contender like du Plessis underscored his ambition to potentially become a two-division champion, a feat achieved by only a select few in the UFC. His preparation for this bout focused on adapting his strength and cardio to the middleweight frame, aiming to utilize his experience and technical superiority.
From the opening bell, the atmosphere inside Paycom Center was electric, with a near-capacity crowd eager to witness the clash of styles. Round one began with both fighters feeling out the distance, exchanging low kicks and probing jabs. Du Plessis, however, quickly established his trademark forward momentum, pressing Usman against the cage and landing several short, powerful hooks to the body and head. Usman responded with his patented jab, attempting to control the center and create openings for his wrestling, but du Plessis’s footwork and defensive grappling proved effective in stuffing early takedown attempts. A significant moment occurred midway through the round when du Plessis landed a clean left hook that momentarily staggered Usman, forcing him to circle away and recover. Du Plessis capitalized, continuing his high-volume attack and visibly frustrating Usman with his relentless aggression.
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Round two saw du Plessis maintain his pace, dictating the tempo of the fight. He utilized feints to set up powerful combinations, mixing body shots with head strikes. Usman, a master of control and pressure himself, found himself on the defensive more often than he typically prefers. While Usman managed to land a few solid counter-punches and an effective calf kick, he struggled to string together sustained offense. Du Plessis’s ability to seamlessly transition from striking to clinch work and back again prevented Usman from establishing any consistent rhythm. The South African’s superior reach and diverse striking arsenal became increasingly apparent, as he consistently found targets on Usman’s head and body.
As the fight progressed into round three, a potential turning point occurred. During a close-range exchange, Usman appeared to be affected by what he later claimed was a thumb poke to the eye. While the referee did not stop the action, Usman momentarily winced, allowing du Plessis to press his advantage. Du Plessis capitalized on the moment, unleashing a flurry of strikes that forced Usman to cover up. Despite the alleged foul, Usman showed the resilience that has defined his career, weathering the storm and attempting to secure a takedown. However, du Plessis’s takedown defense, which has significantly improved in recent years, held firm. The round concluded with du Plessis still applying pressure, denying Usman the space and time to mount a comeback.
The championship rounds, typically Usman’s domain due to his exceptional cardio and experience, saw a continuation of du Plessis’s dominant performance. In round four, du Plessis continued to work the body, visibly wearing down Usman. He successfully fended off another series of takedown attempts from Usman, showcasing strong defensive wrestling and superior strength in the clinch. Du Plessis’s striking volume remained high, landing jabs, crosses, and occasional high kicks that forced Usman to constantly react. While Usman landed some isolated power shots, he was unable to follow up effectively or consolidate any offensive gains. The cumulative damage from du Plessis’s consistent striking began to show on Usman’s face.
Round five saw Usman, needing a finish, push forward with renewed urgency. He managed to land a few significant right hands and initiated a powerful double-leg takedown attempt. However, du Plessis, anticipating the move, sprawled effectively and reversed the position, briefly taking Usman’s back against the cage before separating and returning to striking range. The final minutes of the fight were characterized by du Plessis managing the distance, avoiding any desperate flurries from Usman, and continuing to land clean, accurate strikes until the final bell. The South African’s composure and strategic execution throughout the five rounds were evident, leaving little doubt about the outcome.
The official scorecards confirmed the dominance of Dricus du Plessis: one judge scored the bout 50-45, while the other two judges scored it 49-46, all in favor of du Plessis. The 50-45 scorecard indicated a complete sweep of all five rounds, highlighting the comprehensive nature of du Plessis’s victory.
In his post-fight interview, a triumphant Dricus du Plessis wasted no time in articulating his next ambition. "I’m back in the winner’s circle. Let’s get my belt back," he declared, making his intentions clear to challenge current UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland. The history between du Plessis and Strickland, with du Plessis holding two previous victories over the reigning champion, sets the stage for a compelling narrative should the UFC grant him the title shot. His performance against Usman, a highly respected former champion, undoubtedly bolsters his case for immediate contention.
Kamaru Usman, visibly disappointed but reflective, addressed the media after the fight. While acknowledging an "off night," he dismissed any notions of retirement from his remarkable career. "It’s very rarely I have an off night in here, and everyone gets it once in awhile, and I guess this one was mine," Usman stated, attributing the loss to an unusual performance rather than a definitive decline. He also expressed dissatisfaction with the 50-45 scorecard, suggesting it did not accurately reflect his efforts in the octagon, and reiterated his complaint about a possible thumb poke during the fight. Usman remained open about his future, indicating a willingness to compete in either the welterweight (170 pounds) or middleweight (185 pounds) divisions, signaling that his competitive fire still burns.
This victory for Dricus du Plessis significantly reshapes the landscape of the UFC middleweight division. It firmly re-establishes him as a premier contender and puts immense pressure on the UFC to consider his claim for a title shot against Sean Strickland. For Kamaru Usman, the loss at middleweight necessitates a strategic re-evaluation. While his legacy as a welterweight champion is secure, his path forward in either division will be closely scrutinized, with fans and analysts eager to see how the legendary "Nigerian Nightmare" responds to this latest challenge in his storied career.
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