Kamaru Usman Disappointed by Judge’s 50-45 Scorecard vs Dricus Du Plessis

The Fight and Final Score

Kamaru Usman (21‑5) suffered a lopsided unanimous decision loss to middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (24‑3) at the UFC Oklahoma City main event. Two judges scored the bout 49‑46 for Du Plessis, while Sal D’Amato gave the South African a 50‑45 margin. The result was expected given Du Plessis’ early dominance in striking and his lack of significant wrestling exposure from Usman throughout the night.

The Nigerian Nightmare entered the fight on a rebound from a three‑fight slump, having previously defeated Joaquin Buckley at welterweight. This marked his second defeat at 185 pounds, and he hinted that a return to 170 pounds remains a possibility. The loss leaves Usman’s former welterweight crown out of reach for now, but the performance showcased his durability and competitive spirit.

Usman’s Reaction and the Eye Issue

After the fight, Usman spoke with Daniel Cormier and expressed bewilderment at the 50‑45 scorecard. “What were the judges watching?” he asked, emphasizing Du Plessis’ toughness. The former champion explained that his left eye was compromised in the second round when a punch with a clenched fist grazed his eye, making it difficult to judge distance for takedowns.

Usman noted that the legal eye poke forced a brief pause, but the fight resumed quickly. He acknowledged the difficulty of performing under those conditions but still tipped his hat to his opponent’s resilience. The incident also added a puzzling element to D’Amato’s higher score, leaving Usman questioning the judging perspective.

What It Means Going Forward

Despite the disappointment over the scorecard, Usman accepted the outcome as a fair reflection of Du Plessis’ overall control. The loss now sits alongside his previous defeat, but his recent return to form after the Buckley win suggests he remains a top‑level contender. Observers will watch whether he opts for a 170‑pound return, potentially reigniting his welterweight legacy.

The bout also highlighted the narrow margin between a split decision and a unanimous loss in the UFC, where a single judge’s view can swing the final tally. Usman’s candid critique of the scorecard may spark conversations about judging standards, especially in high‑stakes middleweight contests. All eyes will be on his next steps, whatever weight class he chooses to pursue.