Du Plessis makes winning return to UFC with dominant decision over Usman

Dricus Du Plessis returned to the octagon with a commanding performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman in the middleweight main event of UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City. The 32-year-old South African fighter, who had been sidelined since losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025, delivered a display of precision and dominance, earning scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46. His win marks his first contest in nearly 11 months and extends his undefeated streak in the UFC to nine victories. Du Plessis, who previously held the middleweight title from January 2024 until mid-August 2025, showcased his technical prowess throughout the fight. The bout saw no successful takedowns or submissions, with Du Plessis maintaining control through relentless striking. He landed 136 significant strikes compared to Usman's 92, while the total strike count stood at 139-99 in his favor. The result underscores his continued dominance in the division despite being away from competition for over a year. Usman, the 39-year-old Nigerian fighter, entered the matchup having lost four of his last five contests. His previous reign as UFC welterweight champion lasted from March 2019 to November 2021. This weekend marked his first fight in 13 months, and although he put up a valiant effort, he fell short of extending his winning streak. The outcome highlights the challenges faced by veteran fighters in maintaining their form against top-tier opponents. In the co-main event, England’s Christian Leroy Duncan claimed a unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier. The scores were 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in Duncan’s favor. The 15-2 fighter demonstrated resilience and composure, ensuring a solid win in the middleweight division. This result adds to the growing momentum within the UFC’s Fight Night card, showcasing a variety of performances across different weight classes. Du Plessis spoke candidly about the significance of his return, emphasizing the impact he has on younger athletes from South Africa. “I had to get up,” he stated. “There’s so many South African kids that look up to me. It’s bigger than me. I can’t go lie down.” His words reflect the emotional weight of the moment, as well as the broader influence he holds within his home country’s combat sports community. The fight itself was a showcase of strategic discipline, with both fighters trading blows without major disruptions to the rhythm of the bout. Du Plessis maintained his composure under pressure, using footwork and timing to dictate the pace. His ability to remain unshaken despite the absence of takedowns speaks volumes about his adaptability and mental toughness. Meanwhile, Usman, though visibly frustrated at times, showed flashes of aggression that came close to breaking through but ultimately failed to change the outcome. Looking ahead, the UFC will likely position Du Plessis for another title shot, given his current form and the void left by Chimaev’s recent championship reign. With the middleweight division remaining competitive and filled with talent, the next challenge will test whether Du Plessis can maintain his dominance. For now, however, his victory stands as a testament to his skill, perseverance, and the support of his fans.