The highly anticipated middleweight contest is set to feature Dricus Du Plessis, making his first appearance since relinquishing his championship title, as he faces off against the former welterweight king, Kamaru Usman. This bout promises to be a pivotal moment for both athletes, each aiming to reassert their dominance in the octagon.
Du Plessis, holding a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses in mixed martial arts, including 9 victories and 1 defeat within the UFC, last competed at UFC 319 in August 2025. In that encounter, he lost his middleweight belt to Khamzat Chimaev, marking his initial setback under the UFC banner and ending an impressive 11-fight win streak. Prior to this, Du Plessis had captured the title by defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297, successfully defending it twice. Meanwhile, Usman, with a record of 21 wins and 4 losses in MMA, and 16 victories against 3 defeats in the UFC, transitions back to the middleweight division for this challenge. His most recent outing was a main event triumph over Joaquin Buckley last June in a welterweight clash. Before that, he experienced a majority decision loss to Chimaev at 185 pounds on short notice.
According to DraftKings, Du Plessis is positioned as a significant favorite with odds of -340, indicating strong confidence in his ability to rebound. Usman, conversely, enters as an underdog at +270. Fans can catch this thrilling event on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with broadcasting and streaming available via Paramount+.
This encounter is more than just a fight; it's a testament to resilience and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Both fighters embody the spirit of competition, reminding us that success often stems from overcoming adversity and persistently striving for excellence.
