Kamaru Usman Pushes for Next Fight After Du Plessis

Usman’s Post‑Victory Options

After a win over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City, Kamaru Usman sees two logical next steps for his career. He first named middleweight champion Sean Strickland, calling the matchup “pretty easy.” Usman also mentioned welterweight titleholder Islam Makhachev, noting that Makhachev would likely still hold his belt.

Strickland currently reigns at 185 pounds, while Makhachev holds the welterweight championship that Usman once dominated. Both are viewed as natural fits should Usman upset Du Plessis on Saturday, July 18, at the Paycom Center. The promotion will decide which path to take after the main event.

Usman’s stance reflects his desire to join the exclusive champ‑champ club of fighters with titles in two divisions. A win over Strickland would keep him at middleweight and give him a chance to become a two‑division UFC champion. Landing the Makhachev fight would return him to welterweight, a division he previously controlled.

Rematch Context with Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland is no stranger to Usman; they fought at UFC 210 in April 2017. Usman won that bout by unanimous decision, marking a key victory in his welterweight reign. Strickland later moved to middleweight and is now in his second run as champion after beating Khamzat Chimaev.

The two champions have crossed paths again in recent months. Du Plessis captured the middleweight title by beating Strickland in January 2024, then won their February 2025 rematch by unanimous decision. Strickland re‑claimed the belt after a split decision win over Chimaev before losing it to Du Plessis.

A fight with Strickland would give Usman an immediate opportunity for a second title belt. It would also set up a potential nine‑year rematch after their 2017 meeting at UFC 210. The timing makes it an attractive option for the promotion and Usman’s camp.

Why Islam Makhachev Remains a Target

Usman called for a matchup with Makhachev after defeating Joaquin Buckley in June 2025. That win broke a three‑fight losing streak and marked Usman’s first victory in nearly four years. Despite the victory, the UFC did not immediately pair him with Makhachev.

Makhachev claimed the welterweight championship by beating Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025. Usman’s desire for that fight stems from his ambition to return to the division he once led from 2019 to 2022. The promotion, however, opted for the Du Plessis showdown as the next step.

Usman dismissed the idea that moving to middleweight is an easier route. He pointed to strong contenders such as Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho and Jared Cannonier, noting the depth at 170 pounds. Yet the Makhachev fight remains on his radar as a clear next goal.

Usman’s Quest for Two‑Division Glory

Usman held the welterweight championship for three years, defending it five times before losing it in 2022. A title at 185 pounds would cement his place among UFC fighters who have conquered two weight classes. “There’s still one club I can’t get into yet,” Usman told TMZ Sports, emphasizing his desire for multi‑division recognition.

His only previous middleweight outing came against Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. He accepted that fight on 10 days’ notice and fell short by majority decision. The Du Plessis fight could be Usman’s chance to reverse that setback and add a new belt to his résumé.

Weight‑class considerations are already set. Du Plessis weighed 185.5 lb Friday, while Usman came in at 186 lb. The main event streams on Paramount+ as part of the main card beginning at 8 p.m. ET. Both fighters are prepared for a decisive showdown that could shape Usman’s next title pursuit.