Ali Akbar Rosady
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Dricus du Plessis, the formidable former middleweight champion, delivered a commanding performance against legendary welterweight Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The 25-minute contest saw du Plessis emerge with a clear, lopsided victory, a result that has immediate and significant implications for the trajectories of both elite fighters and their respective divisions. This pivotal encounter, a clash between a proven middleweight contender and a decorated welterweight venturing into a higher weight class, provided a compelling narrative for fight fans and analysts alike, setting the stage for crucial discussions regarding their next career moves.
Dricus du Plessis: Reasserting Middleweight Dominance
Dricus du Plessis (20-2 MMA, 7-1 UFC), known for his aggressive, often unorthodox striking and relentless pressure, entered the bout aiming to re-establish his position at the pinnacle of the middleweight division. His previous outing saw him relinquish the UFC Middleweight Championship in a hard-fought decision loss to reigning champion Sean Strickland, a contest that underscored his grit and evolving skill set. Prior to that, du Plessis had enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks, culminating in his championship triumph over Israel Adesanya, showcasing his power and resilience.
Against Usman, du Plessis displayed a mature and dominant strategy. From the opening bell, he utilized his superior size and reach advantage to control the distance, effectively stifling Usman’s attempts to close the gap and implement his vaunted wrestling. Du Plessis consistently landed powerful jabs and right hands, visibly accumulating damage on Usman. His defensive grappling was also on full display, as he successfully defended multiple takedown attempts from the former welterweight king, forcing Usman to remain in a striking battle where du Plessis held a clear advantage. The South African fighter’s cardio held strong through five rounds, allowing him to maintain a high output and dictate the pace, earning him a unanimous decision victory with scorecards reflecting his overwhelming control.
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This decisive win over a fighter of Usman’s caliber is a significant statement. It not only halts any potential two-fight skid but also propels du Plessis back into immediate title contention discussions within the middleweight division. With Strickland and Adesanya potentially eyeing a rematch or facing new challengers, du Plessis’s performance puts him firmly in the mix for the next shot at gold. Potential matchups for du Plessis could include the winner of an upcoming title eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa, or a direct rematch with Strickland should the champion successfully defend his belt. His performance against Usman demonstrated an improved tactical approach, suggesting he has learned from his recent championship loss and refined his game to a higher degree.
Kamaru Usman: A Crossroads in a Legendary Career
Kamaru Usman (20-5 MMA, 15-4 UFC), widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, faced a challenging endeavor in stepping up to the middleweight division. Usman’s storied career at 170 pounds included a record-breaking 15-fight winning streak within the UFC, five successful welterweight title defenses, and dominant victories over a murderers’ row of contenders including Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns. However, his reign ended with a dramatic knockout loss to Leon Edwards, followed by a close decision defeat in their rematch, marking the first time in his professional career that he had suffered consecutive losses.
The move to middleweight was perceived by many as an attempt by Usman to seek new challenges and potentially rejuvenate his career outside the intensely competitive welterweight landscape, where he had already faced and defeated many of the top contenders. His decision to fight du Plessis, a former middleweight champion, underscored his ambition and willingness to test himself against the best in a new weight class.
Despite his legendary status and unparalleled wrestling pedigree, Usman struggled to find his rhythm against du Plessis. The size and strength differential at 185 pounds appeared to be a significant factor, as his usually potent takedowns were nullified. In the striking exchanges, Usman’s signature jab and powerful right hand, which had dismantled countless welterweights, found limited success against du Plessis’s longer reach and effective defensive shell. The fight demonstrated that while Usman’s skill remains elite, transitioning successfully to a higher weight class against a top-tier opponent presents unique physical challenges.
The loss to du Plessis puts Usman at a critical juncture. Speculation regarding his future will inevitably increase, with questions arising about whether he will continue campaigning at middleweight, return to the welterweight division, or consider retirement. A return to welterweight would present a familiar, albeit still challenging, path, potentially featuring matchups against rising contenders or a trilogy fight with Colby Covington if circumstances align. Should he decide to remain at middleweight, a drop in competition level might be necessary to rebuild, or a more carefully selected opponent could be sought to test his adaptability at 185 pounds. Usman’s legacy as a welterweight champion remains undisputed, but his path forward in the twilight of his career will be closely watched.
Co-Main Event: Christian Leroy Duncan Ascends, Cannonier’s Future Uncertain
In the co-main event, rising middleweight prospect Christian Leroy Duncan (11-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) delivered a compelling performance, securing a TKO victory over former title challenger Jared Cannonier (17-7 MMA, 10-7 UFC) in the second round. Duncan, known for his dynamic striking and athleticism, showcased his potential as a future contender, utilizing swift combinations and powerful kicks to dismantle the veteran. The victory over a top-ranked opponent like Cannonier, who has previously challenged for the middleweight title and holds wins over many of the division’s elite, is a significant milestone in Duncan’s burgeoning career. This win firmly plants Duncan in the top ten of the middleweight rankings, positioning him for more high-profile matchups against the division’s gatekeepers or even other rising contenders.
For Jared Cannonier, the loss represents a setback in his quest for another title shot. At 40 years old, Cannonier remains a dangerous and durable fighter, but consecutive losses could impact his standing in a division increasingly populated by younger, hungry talent. His next steps will likely involve reassessing his position and potentially facing another ranked opponent to prevent a further slide down the competitive middleweight ladder.
Lightweight Feature: Hooper’s Grappling Dominance
In a highly anticipated lightweight featured bout, Chase Hooper (14-3-1 MMA, 6-3 UFC) demonstrated his elite grappling prowess, securing a first-round submission victory over Mitch Ramirez (9-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC). Hooper, a young fighter recognized for his exceptional jiu-jitsu skills, quickly took the fight to the ground, transitioning through dominant positions before locking in a rear-naked choke that forced Ramirez to tap. This win marks a crucial step forward for Hooper, reinforcing his reputation as a submission specialist in the competitive lightweight division. His continued improvement in striking and overall mixed martial arts game, combined with his formidable ground skills, suggests a bright future as he continues to climb the ranks.
Undercard Highlights: Kline and McMillen Make Statements
The main card also featured notable victories from emerging talents. Fatima Kline (6-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) continued her impressive run in the women’s strawweight division, securing a unanimous decision victory over a tough opponent. Kline’s disciplined striking and effective clinch work showcased her potential to become a factor in the deep 115-pound weight class. Similarly, Tommy McMillen (10-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) delivered a dominant performance in his featherweight contest, winning by TKO in the second round. McMillen’s aggressive style and finishing ability have made him a fighter to watch as he eyes the top 15 of the featherweight division.
UFC Oklahoma City delivered a night of impactful fights that have significantly altered the landscape of several divisions. While Dricus du Plessis celebrates a career-defining victory that repositions him for another shot at middleweight gold, Kamaru Usman faces introspection regarding his future in mixed martial arts. The event also highlighted the ascent of promising contenders like Christian Leroy Duncan, Chase Hooper, Fatima Kline, and Tommy McMillen, ensuring that the UFC’s competitive divisions remain vibrant and unpredictable.
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