What's Happening?
The UFC is set to return to Oklahoma City for the first time in nearly a decade with a highly anticipated main event featuring former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. Scheduled for July 18 at the Paycom Center, this middleweight bout brings
together elite-level experience from different divisions. Du Plessis, a former UFC middleweight champion, holds a 23-3 record and is currently ranked as the No. 2 contender in the division. Known for his striking volume, Du Plessis has earned 20 of his 23 victories by stoppage. His opponent, Usman, is a former welterweight champion with a 21-4 record, making his second appearance at middleweight. Usman is renowned for his wrestling prowess, boasting an 89% takedown defense rate. The co-main event will feature Jared Cannonier against Christian Leroy Duncan in another middleweight bout. The event will be streamed live on Paramount+ with prelims starting at 5 pm ET and the main card at 8 pm ET.
Why It's Important?
This event marks a significant return for the UFC to Oklahoma City, highlighting the organization's expansion and commitment to bringing high-profile fights to diverse locations. The matchup between Du Plessis and Usman is particularly noteworthy as it pits two former champions against each other, offering fans a clash of styles between Du Plessis' striking and Usman's wrestling. The outcome of this fight could have major implications for the middleweight division rankings, potentially positioning the winner for a future title shot. Additionally, the event's success could influence the UFC's decision to host more events in Oklahoma City, boosting local tourism and economic activity.
What's Next?
Following the event, the winner of the Du Plessis vs. Usman fight may be in line for a title shot, depending on the performance and the current landscape of the middleweight division. Both fighters will likely aim to capitalize on this opportunity to solidify their standing as top contenders. The UFC will also evaluate the event's reception and logistical success to determine the feasibility of future events in Oklahoma City. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Usman adapts to the middleweight division and whether Du Plessis can overcome his takedown defense challenges.
