UFC Oklahoma City Fight Night 281 Recap

The Paycom Center echoed with high‑stakes combat as UFC Fight Night 281 unfolded on a chilly Saturday night. In the headline clash, former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis showcase a disciplined performance against the ex‑170‑lb titleholder Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis, stepping back into the 185‑lb division, outboxed Usman and secured a unanimous decision with scores of 50‑45, 49‑46, and 49‑46.

Usman made a brief return to the middleweight ranks, hoping to prove he could still compete at a higher weight class. Yet the timing favored Du Plessis, whose methodical strikes and consistent pressure left little room for error. The win not only reaffirms Du Plessis’ status at 185 lb but also raises questions about Usman’s immediate future in the division.

The co‑main event delivered another memorable moment as Christian Leroy Duncan captured a decisive victory over Jared Cannonier. The judges awarded the bout a unanimous decision, scoring it 30‑27, 30‑27, and 29‑28 in Duncan’s favor. For Duncan, the result marks the largest payday and most significant win of his career thus far.

Duncan’s performance showcased his improved striking and defensive acumen, qualities that had been emerging over the previous few fights. The win positions him as a potential contender for a title shot, should the promotion look to mix up the current championship picture.

Early on the card, Chase Hooper displayed his submission artistry by finishing Mitch Ramirez with a rear‑naked choke just 2:15 into the opening round. The quick tapout underscored Hooper’s ability to convert early pressure into finishes.

In addition to the main and co‑main events, a full night of action featured nine more bouts. The undercard included Fatima Kline’s unanimous decision win over Tabatha Ricci, Tommy McMillen’s TKO of Alberto Montes in round three, and Jose Delgado’s decision victory over Austin Bashi. Other standout results were Jean‑Paul Lebosnoyani’s decision over Seokhyeon Ko, Felipe Franco’s second‑round TKO of Levi Rodrigues, Ezra Elliott’s decision win against Damien Anderson, Alden Coria’s unanimous decision over Stewart Nicoll, RJ Harris’s first‑round TKO of Alvin Hines, and Dione Barbosa’s submission of Alice Melisano via rear‑naked choke.

The diverse skill set on display—from striking to grappling—highlights the depth of talent now competing in the UFC’s developmental series. Fans can expect more fireworks as fighters continue to chase marquee moments.

Full Fight Card Results

• Dricus Du Plessis def. Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision (50‑45, 49‑46, 49‑46)
• Christian Leroy Duncan def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (30‑27, 30‑27, 29‑28)
• Chase Hooper def. Mitch Ramirez via submission (rear‑naked choke) – Round 1, 2:15
• Fatima Kline def. Tabatha Ricci via unanimous decision (30‑27, 30‑27, 30‑27)
• Tommy McMillen def. Alberto Montes via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 3:29
• Jose Delgado def. Austin Bashi via unanimous decision (30‑27, 29‑28, 29‑28)
• Jean‑Paul Lebosnoyani def. Seokhyeon Ko via unanimous decision (29‑28, 29‑28, 29‑28)
• Felipe Franco def. Levi Rodrigues via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:40
• Ezra Elliott def. Damien Anderson via unanimous decision (30‑27, 29‑28, 29‑28)
• Alden Coria def. Stewart Nicoll via unanimous decision (30‑27, 30‑27, 29‑28)
• RJ Harris def. Alvin Hines via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:40
• Dione Barbosa def. Alice Melisano via submission (rear‑naked choke) – Round 1, 4:04