‘That’s the Only Thing He Can Chase’: Dricus du Plessis Explains Kamaru Usman’s UFC Plan

Dricus du Plessis is approaching the biggest stretch of his career with an unusual level of honesty. 

Just days before returning to action against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City, the former middleweight champion offered an honest assessment of why the former welterweight king is making the move to 185 lbs. At the same time, "Stillknocks" also looked back on the only loss of his UFC career, showing the same accountability that has defined his rise by refusing to blame anyone but himself for falling short against Khamzat Chimaev.

Dricus du Plessis Explains Kamaru Usman’s Middleweight Push

Usman will make his long-awaited middleweight debut when he meets du Plessis on July 18, with many believing a victory could quickly put "The Nigerian Nightmare" into title contention. Asked why he thinks the former welterweight champion made the jump, the South African believes the answer is straightforward.

He said, “At 170, Kamaru Usman has done what he's going to do. He can never be better than what he was.” According to DDP, the welterweight division has become too crowded for Usman to leapfrog the current contenders, making middleweight the more realistic path back to championship gold.

"At 170 right now there are so many guys going on streaks, so jumping the line is going to be a lot harder,” he added before drawing the picture clearly. “At 185, guys are winning a couple of fights, losing, winning. There's nobody really saying, 'I'm the best in this division.' So, for him getting that double champ stamp, that's an accomplishment that he possibly could have. That's the only thing he can chase right now."

Dricus du Plessis Gives Usman Plaudit

Interestingly, du Plessis (23-3-0) also acknowledged everything the veteran has accomplished in his career and admitted he wouldn't object if the UFC rewarded the former champion with a title shot after a win - 

"It's the easier route and the UFC will do him the courtesy for what he has done in the sport, and rightfully so. I would not be mad if Kamaru Usman wins this fight and gets the title shot. But unfortunately that's not how this game works."

A True Sportsman: du Plessis Refuses to Make Excuses for Chimaev Defeat

While Dricus du Plessis has been vocal about what surprised him in his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, he has been equally clear about one thing: the defeat rests on his shoulders.

Looking back on the fight, the 32-year-old admitted that his team expected Chimaev's trademark scrambling game, only to encounter a far more patient grappling approach that pinned him down for long stretches.

"It's a style thing. The way he moved, it's something that I haven't seen, haven't felt. It wasn't a strength problem at all. It was just a way that he could get it to a place where we were static. There was no scramble."

He revealed to Submission Radio that his camp had spent weeks preparing for the Chechen's usual aggressive submission game, saying, "That's what I was preparing for because if you look at all of his other fights, that exciting, let's go, going for a choke. He didn't go for one submission."

Dricus du Plessis on Loss to Chimaev

Even so, du Plessis refused to use that as an excuse and kept things grounded. In a separate interview, he noted, "I always say a good loser is a frequent one. There was no excuses. He beat me fair and square... There was nothing. I got beaten fair and square on that night. I go, 'What did I do wrong?'"

The former champion explained that once the team returned home, everyone evaluated what could have been done differently. Rather than pointing fingers, he insisted the responsibility started with him.  

"Even though it was my fault, it was 100 percent my fault. To make a great team, to make a great leader, you need to be able to take that responsibility."