Daniel Cormier Reacts to Kamaru Usman's Performance in UFC Oklahoma City

What happened?

Dricus Du Plessis made a statement in the UFC Fight Night 281 main event, defeating former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The victory earned Du Plessis a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus, alongside Usman.

Why it matters for Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier, a UFC legend and former light heavyweight champion, was on hand to provide commentary for the event. After the fight, Cormier shared his thoughts on Usman's performance, which was met with a mixture of reactions from the crowd.

What comes next?

The loss marks a disappointing return to middleweight for Usman, who had been training for the move. Meanwhile, Du Plessis continues to build momentum in the middleweight division, with this win cementing his status as a top contender.

The UFC handed out four bonuses after the event, with Du Plessis and Usman taking home $100,000 each for their performances. Felipe Franco also earned a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his second-round TKO victory over Levi Rodrigues. R.J. Harris and Dione Barbosa each received $25,000 for their finish bonuses.

Du Plessis's victory over Usman was a masterful performance, with the South African fighter frequently making his opponent look slow. Cormier praised Du Plessis's skill and strategy, saying, "He made Usman look slow, and that's not an easy thing to do."

Usman, on the other hand, was left frustrated by the loss, which he attributed to his own mistakes. "I'm not a sore loser," he said, "but I made some mistakes out there, and it cost me the fight."

The event was a showcase for the UFC's middleweight division, with several fighters putting on impressive performances. As the division continues to heat up, fans can expect to see more exciting matchups in the coming months.

What's next for Kamaru Usman?

Usman's loss marks a setback for the former welterweight champion, who had been looking to make a statement in his return to middleweight. With this defeat, Usman will need to regroup and reassess his strategy in the division.

What's next for Dricus Du Plessis?

Du Plessis's victory over Usman has catapulted him into the top contender spot in the middleweight division. With this win, Du Plessis will be looking to build momentum and take on the best fighters in the division.

The UFC's middleweight division is heating up, with several fighters vying for the top spot. As the division continues to evolve, fans can expect to see more exciting matchups and performances from the likes of Du Plessis and Usman.

Event Details

* Date: July 18, 2026 * Event: UFC Fight Night 281 * Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City * Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman

Final Thoughts

The UFC's middleweight division is on the rise, with fighters like Du Plessis and Usman putting on impressive performances. As the division continues to heat up, fans can expect to see more exciting matchups and performances from the top contenders.

category: match_report