Sean Strickland rematch back in play as Usman eyes middleweight masterpiece

Sean Strickland’s title rematch with Kamaru Usman back in play after Usman’s win over Du Plessis

Sean Strickland’s first middleweight title defense rematch with Kamaru Usman is suddenly back in play after Usman’s statement win over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City on Saturday night.

Usman, 39, moved up to middleweight and dominated Du Plessis to set up his next move. The Nigerian Nightmare told reporters he still wants to face Strickland again: and a victory over Du Plessis would put him in prime position to make that happen.

What happened at UFC Fight Night 281?

Kamaru Usman stepped up to middleweight for the first time in nearly seven years and delivered a masterclass against Dricus Du Plessis at Paycom Center on Saturday. The 39-year-old former welterweight champion controlled the bout from bell to bell, using his wrestling and striking to outpoint the former middleweight titleholder.

With the win, Usman snapped a two-fight losing streak and reclaimed his spot in the title picture. The performance also reignited talk of his future: including a potential return to welterweight or even a light heavyweight flirtation.

Why it matters for Sean Strickland

Strickland, 34, has held the UFC middleweight title since June 2023. His first defense ended in a split decision loss to Israel Adesanya in September 2024, but he rebounded with a first-round knockout of Abusupiyan Magomedov in March 2025.

Usman beat Strickland by unanimous decision in April 2017 at welterweight. Since then, Strickland has risen to the top of the 185-pound division. A Usman victory over Du Plessis would force the UFC to schedule a Strickland rematch: or at least put the former champ back in the title conversation.

Usman admitted his career is in its final chapters. “I obviously wanted the Islam fight,” he said, referencing a potential showdown with Islam Makhachev. “But the company has a big say. They felt this was an opportunity.”

What comes next for Strickland and Usman?

Strickland’s next move depends on the UFC’s booking. If Usman beats Du Plessis and lands a Strickland rematch, the champ would face a familiar foe with a clear style advantage.

Usman, meanwhile, is embracing the “money weight fighter” tag. He’s willing to move up or down as long as the payday and competition match his ambition.

For Strickland, a Usman trilogy would add another chapter to one of the division’s most compelling rivalries. It would also give the champ a chance to silence a rival who once outpointed him nearly a decade ago: and who now stands between him and bigger paydays.