What You Need to Know
• Dricus Du Plessis won by unanimous decision against Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City.
• The judges scored the fight 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 in favor of Du Plessis, improving his record to 24-3.
• This was Du Plessis’s first fight in nearly a year after losing the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev.
Dricus Du Plessis, a South African mixed martial artist, secured a unanimous decision victory over Nigeria’s Kamaru Usman during the middleweight main event of UFC Fight Night on July 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City. The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, marking Du Plessis’s return to the octagon after nearly a year away from competition. Previously, Du Plessis held the middleweight belt from January 2024 until August 2025, when he lost it to Khamzat Chimaev. In this fight, Du Plessis demonstrated his striking prowess, landing 136 significant strikes compared to Usman’s 92, while also achieving a total strike advantage of 139 to 99. Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion, has struggled recently, losing four of his last five fights.
Why It Matters
Dricus Du Plessis’s victory is significant as it marks his return to form after a challenging period, including a title loss. His win against a high-profile opponent like Kamaru Usman reinforces his status in the middleweight division. Additionally, Du Plessis’s performance demonstrates his striking skills and resilience, which are crucial for his future title aspirations. Kamaru Usman’s recent struggles highlight the competitive nature of the UFC, as he attempts to regain his footing after a series of defeats.
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