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Kamaru Usman outlines potential fights following Du Plessis clash

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 18, 2026, 3:45 PM

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

Kamaru Usman outlines potential fights following Du Plessis clash

Summary

Kamaru Usman prepares for his main event bout against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City on July 18. Usman has identified opportunities to challenge Sean Strickland for the middleweight title or Islam Makhachev for the welterweight belt, contingent on a win over Du Plessis. This fight comes after Usman ended a losing streak with a decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in June 2025, which reignited his title aspirations. Usman's previous fight at middleweight was a majority decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023.

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By the Numbers

•Usman faces Du Plessis at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
•Usman could fight Strickland or Makhachev if he wins.
•Strickland is the reigning middleweight champion.
•Usman's last win marked the end of a three-fight losing streak.
•Du Plessis weighed in at 185.5 pounds; Usman at 186.

Latest Updates

3:45 PMYahoo Sports — Kamaru Usman Names Two Potential Paths Back to UFC Gold Before Dricus Du Plessis Fight

What they're saying

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Kamaru Usman believes beating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Oklahoma City should leave the promotion with two logical options for his next fight: Sean Strickland ... Read More
— Yahoo Sports

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