Overview
- Dricus Du Plessis defeated Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision Saturday at UFC Oklahoma City, with official scorecards of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46.
- After the five-round win Du Plessis said competing is what he lives for and publicly called for another shot at the middleweight belt.
- Du Plessis returned after an 11-month layoff following his August 2025 title loss to Khamzat Chimaev, and his dominant performance erased many immediate questions about ring rust.
- Analysts say the UFC may prioritize a Sean Strickland–Khamzat Chimaev rematch, which could delay Du Plessis’ next title opportunity and make a fight with a top contender like Nassourdine Imavov the likeliest step.
- The Oklahoma City card also boosted other contenders, notably Christian Leroy Duncan and Tommy McMillen, creating more matchmaking options that could shift the middleweight pecking order.