Former Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis Opens as Significant Betting Favorite Against Kamaru Usman for UFC Oklahoma City Main Event

Oklahoma City is set to host a pivotal clash of former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) titleholders, with Dricus du Plessis emerging as a substantial betting favorite over Kamaru Usman in the highly anticipated main event. The fight, scheduled for July 18 at the Paycom Center and exclusively streamed on Paramount+ in the U.S., pits the former middleweight champion against the former welterweight king in a contest that carries significant implications for both their careers and the future landscape of the middleweight division.

Initial odds released by BetOnline position Dricus du Plessis as a heavy favorite at -350, while Kamaru Usman stands as the underdog with a comeback line of +285. These figures indicate that a wager of $350 on du Plessis would yield a $100 profit upon his victory, whereas a successful $100 bet on Usman would return $285. Such a wide spread typically reflects a strong market belief in one fighter’s superiority based on recent performances, divisional fit, and perceived skill advantages.

Dricus du Plessis, known as "Stillknocks," enters this bout seeking to reclaim momentum following a decisive loss of his middleweight title. His reign as champion was marked by impressive victories, including successful title defenses against formidable opponents such as Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya, solidifying his status as an elite force in the 185-pound division. These wins showcased his unique blend of aggressive striking, relentless pressure, and opportunistic grappling that had propelled him to the summit of the sport. However, his championship run was brought to an abrupt halt at UFC 319 in August, where he suffered a lopsided decision defeat to Khamzat Chimaev, resulting in the loss of his coveted belt. This will be du Plessis’s first octagon appearance since that championship setback, and the bout against Usman represents a critical opportunity to demonstrate his resilience, make a strong statement for a potential rematch or a new title shot, and prove that his loss to Chimaev was a temporary blip rather than a sign of decline. His aggressive, often chaotic style, characterized by a high volume of strikes and a willingness to engage in close-quarters exchanges, has made him a fan favorite and a difficult puzzle for many opponents. The question now is how he has adapted and evolved in the aftermath of his championship loss.

Kamaru Usman, "The Nigerian Nightmare," embarks on his second foray into the middleweight division, aiming to establish himself as a legitimate contender at 185 pounds. Usman’s storied career as the UFC welterweight champion saw him dominate the 170-pound division with an unparalleled wrestling pedigree, suffocating top control, and increasingly potent striking. He successfully defended his welterweight title numerous times, defeating a murderers’ row of contenders. However, a challenging period saw him snap a three-fight losing streak with a dominant decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta in June 2025. This win was crucial, as it followed a difficult stretch that began with an all-time knockout loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 278 in August 2022, where he lost his welterweight title in a stunning upset. Seven months later, he faced Edwards again in a rematch, suffering a clear-cut decision loss. His first venture into the middleweight division came in October 2023, where he took a short-notice contest against Khamzat Chimaev, resulting in a competitive majority decision defeat. Usman now returns to action after another year-plus long layoff, a factor that often raises questions about ring rust and a fighter’s ability to perform at peak levels. His recent victory over Buckley was a vital step in rebuilding his confidence and demonstrating his continued capabilities, but moving up to middleweight against a former champion like du Plessis presents a new set of physical and strategic challenges.

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The significant betting disparity between the two fighters can be attributed to several factors. Du Plessis, despite his recent loss, is a natural middleweight who has demonstrated championship-level performances within the division. His power and frame are well-suited for 185 pounds, and his aggressive style could pose problems for a fighter moving up in weight. Usman, while historically dominant at welterweight, is transitioning to a division where opponents naturally carry more size and power. His prior middleweight contest against Chimaev, though competitive, ultimately ended in a loss, suggesting that the adjustment might not be seamless. Furthermore, Usman’s recent history of extended layoffs and the cumulative wear and tear from a long, grueling career as a champion could be weighing on the oddsmakers’ assessment. The knockout loss to Edwards and the subsequent decision losses represent a departure from his previously invincible aura, even though his win over Buckley showed flashes of his former self.

From a stylistic perspective, the matchup promises intriguing dynamics. Du Plessis’s forward pressure and unorthodox striking, often throwing combinations from unusual angles, could test Usman’s defensive prowess. "Stillknocks" also possesses a robust grappling game, capable of taking down and controlling opponents, which could neutralize Usman’s primary weapon. Conversely, Usman’s world-class wrestling remains a constant threat. His ability to secure takedowns and maintain top control, coupled with his heavy ground and pound, has historically broken the will of many opponents. The question for Usman will be whether he can exert the same physical dominance over a naturally larger and equally strong middleweight like du Plessis. His striking, while improved throughout his welterweight tenure, will need to be sharp to contend with du Plessis’s volume and power. Usman’s ability to manage distance and counter du Plessis’s aggression will be crucial, as will his cardio, which has been a hallmark of his career.

The stakes for this fight are exceptionally high. For Dricus du Plessis, a decisive victory over a legend like Kamaru Usman would not only erase the memory of his loss to Chimaev but also immediately re-establish him as a top contender, potentially setting him up for another shot at the middleweight title. It would demonstrate his ability to rebound and adapt, affirming his place among the elite. For Kamaru Usman, a win would be transformative. It would legitimize his aspirations in the middleweight division, proving that his skills and physicality can translate effectively to a higher weight class. Such a victory could fast-track him into title contention at 185 pounds, adding another remarkable chapter to his already Hall of Fame-worthy career. A loss, however, would be a significant setback for both. For du Plessis, it would mean falling further down the pecking order in a competitive division. For Usman, it could signal that a permanent move to middleweight might be an uphill battle, potentially prompting difficult conversations about his future in the sport.

The UFC Oklahoma City main event is more than just a fight; it is a crossroads for two accomplished fighters. Dricus du Plessis aims to begin his journey back to championship gold, while Kamaru Usman seeks to forge a new legacy in a new division. The betting odds clearly favor the younger, natural middleweight, but the experience and championship grit of Kamaru Usman cannot be underestimated. The Paycom Center will undoubtedly be electric as these two warriors step into the octagon to determine who moves forward in their respective quests for greatness.

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