Former Champions Collide: Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman Booked for UFC Oklahoma City Main Event

Dricus du Plessis will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon against former welterweight king Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Fight Night 281, set to take place on July 18 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Former Champions Collide as Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman Chase Another Title Run

For both men, the stakes extend far beyond a simple comeback victory. The South African is looking to prove that his title loss was merely a temporary setback, while Usman sees an opportunity to fast-track his ambitions in a second weight class.

With championship aspirations still very much alive for both veterans, the matchup promises to answer plenty of lingering questions.

The bout marks Du Plessis' (23-3-0) first appearance since surrendering the UFC Middleweight Championship to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025. Prior to that defeat, he looked indomitable, stringing together nine consecutive victories inside the octagon.

DDP Rising Through Ranks at 185

In fact, DDP's rise through the division had been nothing short of remarkable. After announcing himself as a genuine title contender with a stoppage victory over Robert Whittaker, he dethroned Sean Strickland at UFC 297 before successfully defending the belt against Israel Adesanya and Strickland in their rematch. 

Given his track record, many expected the 32-year-old to be in line for another crack at the title, especially after Strickland reclaimed middleweight gold from Chimaev last month.

However, with Strickland currently sidelined due to injury, the UFC has opted to keep Du Plessis active against perhaps the most accomplished welterweight of the modern era.

Usman (21-4-0), on the other hand, enters the contest carrying renewed motivation. His first venture into the middleweight division came under difficult circumstances when he stepped in on short notice against Chimaev at UFC 294. 

Despite the lack of preparation, the Nigerian-American came out guns blazing, constantly testing the then-unbeaten Chechen, only to lose by majority decision. At welterweight, the ex-champion enjoyed one of the most dominant runs in UFC history, successfully defending his title five times and establishing a 15-fight winning streak that cemented his legacy as one of the greatest welterweights ever.

Although consecutive losses to Leon Edwards derailed his reign, Usman has quietly rebuilt his stock.

Usman subsequently returned to welterweight and snapped a three-fight skid with an impressive unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley. Rather than waiting around for another title opportunity at 170 pounds, the 39-year-old now appears intent on chasing history.

Stylistically, the matchup is equally intriguing. Du Plessis thrives in chaos, relying on relentless pressure, awkward striking, and underrated grappling. Usman, meanwhile, remains one of the sport's most technically sound wrestlers, armed with championship experience and arguably the highest fight IQ DDP has faced since entering the UFC.

UFC Oklahoma City Card Detailed

While the headline DDP vs. Usman bout understandably steals the headlines, UFC Fight Night 281 has quietly developed into one of the stronger Fight Night offerings of the summer.

Former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier returns to action against surging British prospect Christian Leroy Duncan. Meanwhile, fan favorite Kevin Holland also makes his return against highly touted prospect Jacobe Smith, while Tabatha Ricci takes on Fatima Kline in a compelling women's strawweight contest.

Not to mention, veteran middleweight Brad Tavares also meets Marc-André Barriault, and lightweight prospect Chase Hooper continues his development against Mitch Ramirez.

UFC Oklahoma City card:

• Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman

• Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan

• Kevin Holland vs. Jacobe Smith

• Tabatha Ricci vs. Fatima Kline

• Brad Tavares vs. Marc-Andra Barriault

• Chase Hooper vs. Mitch Ramirez

• Veronica Hardy vs. Dione Barbosa

• Austin Bashi vs. Jose Miguel Delgado

• Tommy McMillen vs. Alberto Montes

• Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani vs. Ko Seok-hyeon

• Alvin Hines vs. Allen Frye Jr.

• Felipe Franco vs. Levi Rodrigues Jr.

• Alden Coria vs. Stewart Nicoll