Dricus du Plessis Dominates Kamaru Usman in UFC OKC Main Event
Dricus du Plessis solidified his status as a major title contender in the UFC middleweight division after securing a dominant unanimous decision victory over former welterweight king Kamaru Usman at UFC OKC on July 18, 2026. The five-round main event at the Paycom Center saw du Plessis dictate the pace from the opening bell, utilizing his size, pressure, and relentless grappling to stifle Usman’s signature striking.
Match Breakdown
Controlling the Pace: Du Plessis effectively neutralized Usman’s jab, forcing the former champion against the cage throughout the early rounds.
Ground Dominance: The South African fighter secured multiple takedowns, maintaining top control and landing heavy ground-and-pound that wore down Usman over the 25-minute duration.
Judge’s Scorecards: All three judges scored the contest 50-45 in favor of du Plessis, reflecting his complete control of the octagon.
While Usman showed glimpses of his classic defensive prowess and counter-striking ability in the middle rounds, he was unable to mount significant offense against the high-pressure approach of du Plessis. The victory serves as a significant statement for du Plessis, who continues to climb the divisional rankings, while Usman faces questions regarding his future at the top level of the sport following this setback.
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