Kamaru Usman loses dominant decision to Dricus du Plessis at UFC OKC

Kamaru Usman’s struggles continued on July 19, 2026, as he suffered a dominant unanimous decision loss to Dricus du Plessis in the UFC Oklahoma City main event. The former welterweight champion, now 39, has lost four of his last five fights, leaving his future in the sport uncertain.

What happened in the fight?

Du Plessis, the former middleweight champion, overwhelmed Usman from the opening bell. His speed and size advantage proved decisive, as he landed heavy right hands, step-in knees, and head kicks throughout the five-round bout. The judges scored it 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46 in favor of du Plessis, who earned a $100,000 Fight of the Night bonus alongside Usman.

Usman, who had not fought in nearly a year, struggled to find his rhythm. He attempted few takedowns and was defensively sound but unable to counter du Plessis’ relentless offense. After the fight, Usman admitted he needed to reassess his future.

Why it matters for Kamaru Usman

This loss marks another setback for Usman, who has struggled since moving up to middleweight. His record now stands at 21-5, with his last win coming in 2023. The defeat raises questions about whether he will continue fighting and, if so, in which weight class.

Usman hinted at a possible return to welterweight, where he was a dominant champion. However, his age and recent performances suggest he may be nearing the end of his career.

What’s next for Usman?

Usman was noncommittal about his future in his post-fight interview. He acknowledged the need to reassess and decide whether to continue competing. If he does return, he may drop back down to welterweight, where he could face less physical opposition.

For now, Usman’s focus will be on evaluating his career and determining the best path forward. His next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.