Dricus du Plessis Defeats Kamaru Usman in Dominant UFC OKC Return

Dricus du Plessis made a triumphant return to the UFC octagon on Saturday night, securing a clear unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City. The South African fighter, who held the middleweight belt from early 2024 until mid-2025, displayed superior striking and grappling control throughout the five-round main event. Judges scored the bout decisively in favor of Du Plessis, who effectively neutralized Usman’s wrestling-heavy approach with constant forward pressure and accurate power shots that frequently staggered the former pound-for-pound king.

The fight served as a critical crossroads for both veterans in the 185-pound division. Usman, a former dominant welterweight champion, was looking to solidify his standing in the middleweight category after recent inconsistent performances. However, Du Plessis’s physical size and relentless pace proved to be the difference-maker. The South African successfully fended off Usman's takedown attempts and used his reach advantage to dominate the clinch exchanges. This win marks Du Plessis's first major victory since losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025, signaling that he remains a top-tier threat for the championship.

With this win, Du Plessis is likely to leapfrog several contenders to secure a rematch for the middleweight title later this year. For the growing MMA fanbase in India, this result is significant as UFC continues to expand its broadcast reach into the subcontinent. The high-level technicality displayed by both fighters is often used as a benchmark for training programs in Indian MMA gyms. Following the event, UFC President Dana White hinted that the winner of this bout would be next in line for the champion, making Du Plessis the most likely challenger for the divisional crown by December 2026.