Dricus Du Plessis wins unanimous decision at UFC OKC over Usman
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 19, 2026, 8:20 PM
Last updated Jul 19, 2026
Dricus Du Plessis secured a unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City on July 19. Following a previous defeat to Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight title, Du Plessis demonstrated significant improvement, successfully defending against all seven takedown attempts from Usman. The win raises questions about Du Plessis' potential path back to a title shot, especially with Sean Strickland now holding the championship belt. Du Plessis has beaten Strickland twice but faces competition from Chimaev and Nassourdine Imavov, each also vying for a title opportunity.
- •Du Plessis won by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 281.
- •He defended against all seven takedown attempts from Usman.
- •Strickland currently holds the middleweight title after Chimaev lost it.
- •Du Plessis has previously defeated Strickland twice.
- •Imavov is also in contention for a title shot with an unbeaten streak.
- 10:00 PMYahoo Sports — Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Kamaru Usman after UFC OKC loss?
- 8:20 PMYahoo Sports — Sean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Dricus Du Plessis after UFC OKC win?
"Kamaru Usman has lost four of five and is almost 40. What makes sense for him next? There's one obvious fight after UFC OKC.
"Should Dricus Du Plessis get a chance to regain gold after his UFC OKC win? We attempt to play matchmaker.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 10:00 PMSean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Kamaru Usman after UFC OKC loss?
Kamaru Usman has lost four of five and is almost 40. What makes sense for him next? There's one obvious fight after UFC OKC.
- Yahoo SportsJul 19, 2026, 8:20 PMSean Shelby's Shoes: What's next for Dricus Du Plessis after UFC OKC win?
Should Dricus Du Plessis get a chance to regain gold after his UFC OKC win? We attempt to play matchmaker.
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