After almost ten years away, UFC Oklahoma City makes a long‑awaited comeback. The headliner pairs former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis with veteran Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis, 32, is fresh off a title loss to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025 and brings the fire of a top‑tier striker. Usman, 39, is stepping into the 185‑lb division for the first time since a 2023 defeat and is noticeably out of shape after a lengthy layoff.

The odds favor du Plessis, who is seen as the more explosive striker with plenty of knockout power. Usman’s wrestling pedigree could dominate the clinch, but his age and inactivity may be decisive. The matchup pits striking flair against seasoned grappling, making it a tight race for the favorite.

Pick: Dricus du Plessis

Both fighters are idle since the August 2025 event, giving the card a fresh dynamic. Duncan has rattled off four consecutive wins, emerging as a rising force in the division. Cannonier, 42, still looks capable but his output has slipped over the past year.

Duncan’s speed and youthful pressure should overwhelm Cannonier’s seasoned but slower style. The former champion’s age and recent lack of dominance add doubt to his chances. The odds line heavily toward Duncan, reflecting the clear performance gap.

Pick: Christian Leroy Duncan

Hooper’s recent losses to quality opponents have dimmed his standings, yet he still carries more fight experience than his opponent. Ramirez brings a knockout punch and a knockout‑looking punch, making the bout a potential coin flip.

The betting line tilts toward Hooper, but Ramirez’s raw power could expose the glass chin rumor. Hooper’s technical consistency may still edge out a victory if he avoids early drama. Still, the fight rests on a single memorable finish.

Pick: Chase Hooper

Kline, long touted as the next strawweight star, brings a blend of striking creativity and solid grappling work. She has trained with elite flyweight grappler Erin Blanchfield, adding depth to her game. Ricci, on the other hand, relies heavily on a powerful striking template.

Kline’s striking combos look unstoppable, and her grappling keeps opponents grounded when needed. Ricci’s power may threaten early, but Kline’s movement and technical versatility are likely to dominate. The fight will test who can impose their style first.

Pick: Fatima Kline

McMillen enters the UFC with a reputation for wild offense, but his debut lacked polish. Montes showed promise in his own debut, beating former TUF winner Ricky Turcios and displaying a methodical kicking game. The contrast between their styles promises an engaging duel.

Montes’ measured approach and superior lateral movement give him an edge in controlling distance. McMillen’s high‑volume striking could overwhelm, but his lack of technical refinement may be exposed. Look for Montes to leverage his more refined technique.

Pick: Alberto Montes

The undercard features a series of rising prospects eager to make an impact. Quick picks from the early rounds include Austin Bashi, Ko Seok‑hyeon, Levi Rodrigues Jr., Alden Coria, Alvin Hines, Dione Barbosa, and Ezra Elliott. These fighters are expected to deliver decisive victories.

• Austin Bashi (+100) def. Jose Miguel Delgado (-120)

• Ko Seok‑hyeon (-235) def. Jean‑Paul Lebosnoyani (+190)

• Levi Rodrigues Jr. (-175) def. Felipe Franco (+145)

• Alden Coria (-1200) def. Stewart Nicoll (+750)

• Alvin Hines (-145) def. RJ Harris (+120)

• Dione Barbosa (-550) def. Anna Melisano (+400)

• Ezra Elliott (N/A) def. Damien Anderson (N/A)

Oklahoma City hadn’t hosted UFC action in nearly a decade, making this card a beacon for fans in the region. The event spotlights multiple prospects on the cusp of main‑event status. With star power from former champions and fresh talent on the rise, the show is positioned to generate buzz for the rest of the year.

Overall the card earned a “C-” crown rating, indicating room for improvement. Still, the mix of high‑profile matchups and emerging fighters gives the night a compelling narrative. UFC Oklahoma City is back, and the anticipation is building fast.

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