Dricus du Plessis insists he’s fixed ‘gameplan problem’ ahead of Usman rematch

Dricus du Plessis says he’s solved his biggest issue before Usman rematch

Dricus du Plessis insists he’s addressed the core problem that cost him in his first fight with Kamaru Usman. The South African middleweight now says the issues were tactical, not technical, as he prepares for their UFC 303 rematch on 18 July 2026 in Las Vegas.

What went wrong in their first fight?

Du Plessis lost their first meeting by split decision on 16 March 2024. He now frames the loss as a ‘gameplan problem’ rather than a failure in execution. ‘I knew what I needed to do,’ he said. ‘I just didn’t do it the right way.’ The rematch lands at UFC 303, headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Conor McGregor.

How has du Plessis changed his approach?

He points to clearer game plans and sharper adjustments between rounds. ‘I’ve fixed the mistakes,’ du Plessis said. ‘I’ve fixed the way I set things up.’ His camp has also tightened camp routines and sparring partners to avoid repeating the same errors. Usman, meanwhile, has called out du Plessis’s striking volume as a key threat.

What’s at stake for both men?

A win for du Plessis would erase the bitter memory of his first loss to Usman. For Usman, a second victory would cement his hold on the middleweight division’s top contender spot. The fight also serves as the co-main event to Makhachev vs. McGregor, drawing massive PPV interest.

Where and when does the rematch take place?

UFC 303 goes down on 18 July 2026 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Tickets are on sale now, with early buys already pushing the event toward sellout status. Du Plessis vs. Usman headlines the early card, while the main event features Makhachev defending his lightweight belt against McGregor.