Dricus du Plessis defeats Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision at UFC Oklahoma City

South African middleweight Dricus du Plessis (24-3) overcame former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (21-5) in a five-round bout at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on July 18. The fight, broadcast live on Paramount+, was scored 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 in favor of du Plessis, giving him a unanimous decision victory.

Du Plessis established early control, using a mix of kicks, punches and knees to keep Usman at range. He landed several high kicks and a standing knee that appeared to affect Usman's vision. Usman attempted takedowns in rounds two and three, securing one in the third, but du Plessis quickly returned to his feet and continued to press with strikes.

Throughout the middle rounds, du Plessis maintained the offensive tempo, landing multiple left high kicks and a series of combinations that earned him the judges’ favor. In the fourth round, he again used high kicks and a right hand to keep Usman on the defensive. The final round saw both fighters exchange blows, with Usman landing a brief combination that earned him a single round on the scorecards, while du Plessis continued to attack with kicks and punches.

The bout concluded with du Plessis retaining the lead on all three judges’ cards, securing the win by unanimous decision.