Usman says a win in Oklahoma City would set up a title fight with Strickland or Makhachev

Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman told reporters that a win over recent middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in the main event at UFC Oklahoma City would earn him a shot at a UFC title. Usman said the next opponent would be "Sean Strickland" or, if Islam Makhachev remains champion, the latter. He added that the choice makes sense and is a logical next step.

Usman, who earned his first victory in nearly four years with a decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta, previously called for a fight with Makhachev and a chance to reclaim the welterweight belt, but the organization did not schedule that bout. He has recently moved back to middleweight, having lost a close majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294.

When asked whether the middleweight division offers an easier path to a title than welterweight, Usman said it is not easier, noting the depth of competition across both weight classes. He referenced several contenders such as Jared Cannonier, Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, and others, emphasizing that the division remains highly competitive.