In a compelling showdown at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City, Dricus Du Plessis emerged victorious against Kamaru Usman, triumphing by unanimous decision. This win marked a significant return to form for Du Plessis, who, despite having recently lost his middleweight championship, displayed unwavering self-assurance leading up to the bout. The event, held at Paycom Center, drew an enthusiastic crowd and highlighted Du Plessis's striking prowess against Usman's renowned grappling background, ultimately resulting in a memorable night for the South African fighter and the Oklahoma City audience.
The highly anticipated middleweight clash on Saturday, July 18, 2026, pitted the 32-year-old Dricus Du Plessis against the 39-year-old Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis had previously surrendered his middleweight belt to Khamzat Chimaev in August of the prior year. However, this past defeat did not deter his conviction. Before stepping into the octagon, Du Plessis boldly proclaimed, "There's not a world that I would have lost tonight," a statement that would later prove prophetic. The fight, characterized by intense striking exchanges and minimal grappling, saw Du Plessis take control, particularly in the second round, where he appeared poised for an early finish.
However, Usman, a former Division II national champion wrestler and one of UFC's all-time great welterweights, lived up to his "Nigerian Nightmare" moniker. He demonstrated remarkable resilience, pushing through the fight and providing the audience with an engaging spectacle. Du Plessis acknowledged Usman's tenacity, stating, "That man fought like somebody on the way up, not on the way out. And I will respect that forever. Always put respect on that man's name because he deserves it." As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Du Plessis maintained his lead on the scorecards, though he noted Usman's enduring spirit.
Du Plessis, the sole South African UFC champion, anticipated that he might further deplete Usman's energy in the championship rounds, expecting to cruise to victory. Yet, Usman's formidable presence, described by Du Plessis as the "Usman aura," manifested strongly in the fourth and fifth rounds. "That's where I live is in those dark spaces, but when I came out in the fourth round, usually that's where I see people — even with (Israel) Adesanya — that's usually where I see people (wear down). They don't want to give up, but subconsciously they already have. I can see it,” Du Plessis reflected, illustrating the mental fortitude required to withstand Usman's pressure. The final scorecards read 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Du Plessis, with strike counts of 139 for Du Plessis and 99 for Usman.
Beyond the triumph itself, Du Plessis expressed profound appreciation for the electrifying atmosphere and the overwhelming support from the 17,173 fans in attendance at Paycom Center. "The atmosphere was absolutely electric," he remarked, highlighting the unexpected warmth he received. He confessed that he had prepared for boos, making the cheers a pleasant surprise and a welcome change of pace. Du Plessis also enjoyed his time in Oklahoma City, even sporting a black cowboy hat during media day. He concluded by expressing his intent to return to Oklahoma, not just for future fights, but also to simply enjoy the locale, signifying a memorable experience both inside and outside the octagon.
