Kamaru Usman considers retirement following loss at UFC Oklahoma City

Yahoo Sports2 min read • Latest: Jul 23, 2026, 9:10 PM

Last updated Jul 23, 2026

Kamaru Usman considers retirement following loss at UFC Oklahoma City
Summary

Kamaru Usman is contemplating retirement after losing to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281 on July 22, 2026. Usman's unanimous decision defeat marked his fourth loss in five fights, raising questions about his future in mixed martial arts as he approaches 40 years old. The former welterweight champion expressed disappointment with his performance and will confer with his coaches and family to evaluate the next steps in his career. His recent losses have been more competitive, but this latest match saw him visibly damaged, leading to concerns about his ability to compete at a high level moving forward.

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By the Numbers
  • Usman lost to Du Plessis by unanimous decision on July 22, 2026.
  • He is 1-4 in his last five fights.
  • Usman will consult with his team regarding his career's future.
  • The defeat was the first where Usman appeared visibly damaged.
Latest Updates
  • 3:59 AMYahoo SportsKamaru Usman weighs retirement following Dricus Du Plessis defeat
  • 12:09 AMYahoo SportsExcuse-free Kamaru Usman reveals he fought Dricus du Plessis with torn pec, questions retirement – ‘I have to sit with the team’
  • 9:58 PMYahoo SportsKamaru Usman Contemplating Retirement Following UFC OKC
  • 9:10 PMYahoo SportsKamaru Usman contemplating retirement after UFC OKC loss
What they're saying
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Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is contemplating retirement following his latest loss at UFC OKC. Though he won Fight of the Night, Usman lost a unanimous decision to Dricus du Plessis with scorecards of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 in du Plessis’ favor. The loss was Usman’s fourth defeat in his last five fights, and […] The post Kamaru Usman Contemplating Retirement Following UFC OKC appeared first on HEAVY.

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Hangin’ em up? Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman suffered a lopsided unanimous decision loss to former Middleweight roost-ruler Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City last weekend (Sat., July 18, 2026) inside Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. While Usman had a strong fifth round, the former […]

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Kamaru Usman is thinking about hanging the gloves following his loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC OKC.

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