The UFC is set to return to Oklahoma City for the first time in nearly a decade, with a significant event featuring former champions. The main event will see Dricus du Plessis battle Kamaru Usman in a middleweight bout. This event marks the organization’s debut at Paycom Center.
Usman, a former UFC welterweight titleholder, is making another attempt in the middleweight division. His last fight in October 2023 was a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev. Similarly, du Plessis is entering this main event after a title fight loss to Chimaev in August of last year.
Main Event Matchup
The main event between du Plessis and Usman is scheduled for five rounds. Du Plessis weighed in at 185.5 pounds, while Usman registered 186 pounds. Both fighters have been inactive for nearly a year leading up to this contest.
Usman, at 39 years old, is returning to a division 15 pounds heavier than his previous 170-pound welterweight home. He is recognized for his wrestling skills, which are considered among the best in UFC history. His ability to control opponents on the mat could be a factor in the fight.
In contrast, du Plessis, who is 32 years old, is described as a modern-day bruiser who aims to inflict damage. His fighting style involves seeking opportunities to strike from various angles. The physical differences between the two fighters are noted as a key element in this matchup.
While Usman possesses strong striking abilities, including a powerful jab, the general assessment suggests that aspects outside of wrestling may favor du Plessis. This fight will test Usman’s adaptability to the middleweight division after a period of inactivity.
Co-Main Event and Undercard Highlights
The co-main event features a middleweight clash between Jared Cannonier and Christian Leroy Duncan. Cannonier weighed in at 185 pounds, and Duncan at 185.5 pounds. Cannonier has not fought since August 2025, while Duncan enters the fight on a four-fight win streak.
Duncan is described as having improved significantly with two recent wins. Cannonier, despite being 42 years old, has maintained a strong physical appearance, though his recent performances have shown a decline, with three of his last four fights resulting in him being outpointed.
Other notable bouts on the main card include Chase Hooper against Mitch Ramirez in a lightweight contest. Hooper weighed in at 157.5 pounds, exceeding the lightweight limit by 1.5 pounds, and will forfeit 20 percent of his purse to his opponent. Ramirez weighed 155.5 pounds.
The women’s strawweight bout features Tabatha Ricci (116 pounds) versus Fatima Kline (115.5 pounds). Kline is considered a rising talent in the strawweight division, known for her striking and developing groundwork. The main card also includes a featherweight bout between Tommy McMillen (146 pounds) and Alberto Montes (146 pounds).
Preliminary Bouts and Event Details
The preliminary card includes several matchups across different weight classes. In a featherweight bout, Austin Bashi (145 pounds) will face Jose Miguel Delgado (146 pounds). Other prelim fights include Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (171 pounds) against SeokHyeon Ko (169 pounds) in a welterweight contest, and Levi Rodrigues (206 pounds) versus Felipe Franco (205 pounds) in a light heavyweight fight.
Additional preliminary bouts feature Alden Coria (126 pounds) against Stewart Nicoll (126 pounds) in a flyweight matchup, RJ Harris (262.5 pounds) battling Alvin Hines (264 pounds) in a heavyweight contest, and Anna Melisano (126 pounds) facing Dione Barbosa (125 pounds) in a women’s flyweight bout. Ezra Elliott (147.5 pounds) weighed in 1.5 pounds over the featherweight limit for his fight against Damien Anderson (146 pounds).
The prelims for UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs Usman are scheduled to air at 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT, followed by the main card at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. All bouts will be available to stream live on Paramount+ on Saturday, July 18.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com
