Dricus du Plessis eyes Oklahoma City showdown with Kamaru Usman

Why this fight matters

Former UFC Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis returns to the Octagon this weekend against former Welterweight ruler Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City. The event takes place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, inside the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Du Plessis has not fought since losing his belt at UFC 319, where he was heavily dominated by Khamzat Chimaev. The Middleweight division has since shifted, with Chimaev now out of the title picture and Sean Strickland holding the 185‑pound crown.

Division shuffle and title talk

Du Plessis holds two victories over Strickland and has defended his former title twice, yet he argues that a win over Usman alone does not guarantee a championship opportunity. “I don’t believe a victory alone can be enough,” he said during media day, emphasizing that performance must eliminate all doubts. Chimaev is pushing for an immediate rematch with Strickland, but Du Plessis questions the logic, noting both have zero title defenses. The UFC is left to decide whether to allow another Strickland‑Chimaev matchup or explore other title pathways.

Who could next challenge Strickland?

The former champion believes Nassourdine Imavov is the right next opponent for Strickland, a view the current champ reportedly shares. Du Plessis predicts Imavov will face Strickland later in the year, calling it the appropriate fight to sharpen the title picture. With multiple contenders—Chimaev, Imavov, Du Plessis and Usman—the division is poised for a major shift. A strong showing from any of them could reshape the road to the championship.

Looking ahead

Even a dominant victory over Usman will not automatically lock Du Plessis a title shot; he insists that performance must speak louder than a simple win. Usman’s presence adds unpredictability, and the UFC must balance rematches with fresh matchups. By the time the weekend ends, the landscape could look very different, but the focus remains squarely on the upcoming bout in Oklahoma City.