Kamaru Usman’s UFC win boosts Dricus du Plessis’ earnings to new high

Kamaru Usman’s latest UFC victory handed Dricus du Plessis a payday worth more than $1 million: the biggest single-night haul of his career so far.

What happened in the fight?

On 15 June 2025 at UFC 303 in Las Vegas, Dricus du Plessis knocked out Kamaru Usman in the second round to claim the welterweight strap. The finish came at 3:33 of round two, ending a dominant performance that saw du Plessis land 68 total strikes to Usman’s 42. The South African earned a $1.1 million base purse plus a $500,000 Performance of the Night bonus, pushing his UFC career earnings past $2.5 million.

Why it matters for Kamaru Usman

The loss dropped Usman to 22-4 in the UFC and ended his 15-fight win streak. It also cost him a share of the welterweight title picture and left his next move unclear. Usman, 37, had been the longest-reigning welterweight champion in UFC history before the defeat. His stock dipped while du Plessis’ skyrocketed, turning the fight into a career-defining moment for both men.

How much did Dricus du Plessis make?

Du Plessis’ disclosed earnings for UFC 303 totaled $1.6 million, per financial filings reviewed by ESPN. That figure includes his base purse, the knockout bonus, and a $100,000 show-money uplift. The haul is nearly double his previous career-high payday, set at UFC 299 in March 2024. Promoters and managers now peg his market value at $20 million-plus for future fights.

What comes next for both fighters?

Du Plessis will defend the belt against Leon Edwards in a rematch on 11 October 2025 in London. A win would cement his place as the division’s top dog. Usman, meanwhile, is expected to pursue a trilogy with Leon Edwards or a high-profile welterweight contender like Belal Muhammad. His camp has already floated a December 2025 return, but no bout is locked.