Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis delivered a dominant performance to defeat former welterweight king Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision on Saturday night, strengthening his case for another shot at the middleweight title.
Competing in the main event of UFC Fight Night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Du Plessis controlled the contest from start to finish, overwhelming Usman with relentless pressure, sharp striking and powerful combinations. The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 in favor of the South African, News.Az reports, citing ESPN.
The victory marked Du Plessis’ successful return after losing the UFC middleweight championship to Khamzat Chimaev by decision in August 2025, ending what had been a perfect start to his UFC career.
“You guys deserve fights like these, not guys lying on top of other guys to get some dumbass decision win,” Du Plessis said after the fight. “I’m back in the winner’s circle, baby. Let’s get my belt back.”
The 24-3 Du Plessis wasted little time establishing control, repeatedly landing stiff jabs and leg kicks before rocking Usman with a powerful right hand in the opening round. He continued to dictate the pace in the second round, staggering the former welterweight champion with crushing knees up the middle.
Usman briefly found success in the third round, securing his first takedown of the fight, but he was unable to capitalize as Du Plessis quickly returned to his feet and regained control.
The former middleweight champion resumed his dominance in the championship rounds, landing head kicks and clean combinations while consistently shutting down Usman’s takedown attempts. Entering the fifth round needing a finish, Usman absorbed another heavy head kick before launching a late rally that proved insufficient to change the outcome.
Despite the lopsided scorecards, Usman questioned the judges’ assessment after the fight.
“I’m no sorry loser, but I mean 50-45? What were the judges watching?” Usman said. “He’s a big boy, and I knew he was going to be tough.”
The defeat drops Usman to 21-5 and marks another setback in his pursuit of championship gold after moving up to the middleweight division. The former welterweight champion had hoped to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 170-pound title before accepting the bout with Du Plessis.
Following the emphatic win, Du Plessis immediately turned his attention to the middleweight championship picture. Having previously defeated current champion Sean Strickland twice, the No. 2-ranked contender called for a third meeting, insisting his latest performance should earn him another opportunity to reclaim the UFC title.
