Dricus du Plessis Falls Short of Finish in UFC Oklahoma City

Dricus du Plessis Falls Short of Finish in UFC Oklahoma City

Dricus du Plessis (24-3 MMA, 10-1 UFC) looked outstanding against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (21-5 MMA, 16-4 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 281, but ultimately had to settle for a decision.

The event, which took place on July 18, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, featured five stoppages in a dozen fights. While du Plessis had multiple opportunities that appeared close to a finish, he couldn't capitalize on them.

What happened?

The fight was a highly anticipated matchup between two former champions. Du Plessis, a middleweight titleholder, was looking to make a statement against Usman, who was seeking to bounce back from a recent loss. The two fighters engaged in a closely contested battle, with du Plessis landing several significant strikes, but ultimately, the decision went to Usman.

Why it matters for Dricus du Plessis

Du Plessis's performance in the fight was impressive, but it also highlighted the challenges he faces in the welterweight division. With a loss to Usman, du Plessis will need to regroup and reassess his strategy for future fights.

What comes next?

The loss to Usman will likely impact du Plessis's ranking in the welterweight division. However, with a strong performance in the fight, du Plessis will remain a formidable opponent in the division. As he looks to bounce back from the loss, du Plessis will need to focus on improving his striking and grappling skills to compete with the best in the division.

The event also featured several other notable finishes, including a submission victory by Chase Hooper (17-5-1 MMA, 9-5 UFC) over Mitch Ramirez (8-4 MMA, 0-3 UFC) and a TKO victory by Tommy McMillen (10-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) over Alberto Montes (10-5 MMA, 1-2 UFC).

Overall, UFC Fight Night 281 was an exciting event that showcased the skills of several top fighters in the welterweight division. While du Plessis fell short of a finish, his performance in the fight was impressive, and he will remain a force to be reckoned with in the division.

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