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Kamaru Usman faces Dricus du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 9:46 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Kamaru Usman faces Dricus du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281

Summary

Kamaru Usman and Dricus du Plessis are set to compete in a middleweight fight on Saturday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Usman, a former UFC champion and a prominent figure in welterweight history, will look to build on his June 2025 victory over Joaquin Buckley. This matchup marks Usman's second foray into the middleweight division, following a previous loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023. Du Plessis, a former champion himself, aims to reclaim his standing after losing to Chimaev in August 2025. Both fighters expressed confidence leading up to the bout, highlighting Usman's varied combat skills and Du Plessis's determination to achieve greatness in the sport.

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By the Numbers

•Fight takes place on July 16, 2026, at Paycom Center.
•Usman has a professional record of 21-4.
•Du Plessis aims to reclaim his position after a recent loss.
•Usman expressed readiness for a versatile fight strategy.
•Du Plessis emphasized ambition to be the greatest fighter.

Latest Updates

3:12 AMYahoo Sports — Dricus Du Plessis defeats Kamaru Usman in UFC Oklahoma City main event
12:45 AMYahoo Sports — UFC Oklahoma City final face-offs
9:46 AMYahoo Sports — Kamaru Usman ready for middleweight challenge vs Dricus du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281

What they're saying

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A middleweight bout between former champion Dricis Du Plessis and former welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman headlined Saturday's UFC Oklahoma City fight card. Du Plessis entered the match ranked No. 2 in the division looking to get back in the win column after losing the championship in his ...
— Yahoo Sports

"
Oklahoma City hosts Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 281 event at Paycom Center. The fight card is headlined by a middleweight bout between former champion Dricus Du Plessis and former welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman. On Friday, following the event's ceremonial weigh-in, the fighters ...
— Yahoo Sports