Kamaru Usman Faces Uncertain Future After Middleweight Loss

Domination by Du Plessis at Paycom Center

UFC Fight Night 281 Main Event

The former longtime welterweight champion stepped up to middleweight for the UFC Fight Night 281 main event, facing newly dethroned titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. The contest spanned 25 minutes—five rounds of intense action—at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Usman (21‑5 MMA, 16‑4 UFC) could not match the size and power displayed by Du Plessis (24‑3 MMA, 10‑1 UFC). Even in the final round, when he landed his strongest blows, it was clear the fight was not the prime version of Usman that fans have seen before.

Age, Weight Shift, and Physical Challenges

Usman is 39 years old and has appeared in only three bouts over the past three years. Adding 15 pounds to his usual fighting frame made him noticeably slower against Du Plessis and placed extra strain on knees that have historically been a concern. The 39‑year‑old veteran acknowledges the difficulty of juggling multiple weight classes while maintaining competitive speed. Still, he remains remarkably competitive at 185 pounds, having held his own against former champions Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev in recent contests.

Competitive History and Recent Record

Usman boasts a Hall of Fame‑worthy résumé at 170 pounds, but his middleweight push has produced mixed results. He is 1‑4 in his last five fights, a stretch that brings him within nine months of his 40th birthday. Two of those recent 185‑pound battles were against high‑profile former champions, where he managed to stand tall despite the odds. The current record leaves questions about how many more fights he wants to compete and which weight class he prefers.

Next Steps and Potential Rematch

At the UFC Fight Night 281 post‑fight press conference, both Usman and UFC CEO Dana White were probed about his career direction. Usman indicated he is open to battling at either welterweight or middleweight, provided the fights make sense for his goals. White respected his sentiment and left the door open for whatever Usman chooses to pursue. The clear next fight that stands out is a long‑awaited grudge match against his fellow former champion, Belal Muhammad.

Why the Usman‑Muhammad Showdown Matters

Belal Muhammad (24‑6 MMA, 15‑6 UFC) is also 38 and currently on a three‑fight losing streak since capturing the UFC championship. He has repeatedly called out Usman, hoping a win would restore his relevance in the sport. The stakes are heightened; a defeat for either fighter would likely spark immediate retirement discussions. The pair’s history includes a physical altercation during a podcast years ago, though the footage remains unpublished. A victory for Muhammad would be a career lifeline, while a win for Usman could reignite talk of his championship potential at middleweight.

Looking Ahead

The sport ultimately rewards results, and Usman’s recent 1‑4 stretch raises serious doubts about his immediate future in the UFC. Yet his longevity, competitive spirit, and willingness to adapt at different weights keep fans engaged. Whether the next fight lands at 185 pounds against Muhammad or another challenge, the martial arts community will be watching closely to see how the 39‑year‑old veteran chooses to write the next chapter of his career.