Kamaru Usman eyes one more run at UFC gold ahead of Dricus Du Plessis showdown

Kamaru Usman, the veteran UFC welterweight champion who lost his title nearly four years ago, is preparing for a pivotal matchup against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night on July 19 in Oklahoma City. This bout represents a critical step in Usman’s quest to reclaim a championship belt and potentially become a two-division UFC champion. At 39, Usman has shifted his focus toward achieving specific goals before considering retirement from combat sports. Usman emphasized the significance of this upcoming fight, stating that each match from this point must carry weight due to his advancing age and desire to leave a lasting legacy. “I’m not just here to be part of this anymore,” he said. “I’m here to accomplish something before I eventually transition away from the sport.” The fight against Du Plessis, currently ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division, is viewed as a crucial milestone in Usman’s journey. A victory could position him for a future title shot, further solidifying his status as a top contender. Usman’s path back to contention has been marked by strategic decisions rather than frequent competition. His reign as welterweight champion concluded in August 2022 when Leon Edwards secured the title via a fifth-round head kick. A subsequent rematch in March 2023 saw Edwards narrowly edge out Usman by majority decision. Following these setbacks, Usman took on Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, moving up to middleweight and suffering a competitive loss. A prolonged hiatus followed, lasting nearly 20 months, before Usman made a return in June 2025 with a dominant five-round victory over Joaquin Buckley. This performance reignited discussions about his potential for another title run. However, Usman clarified that his reduced activity wasn’t solely due to waiting for fights. “It has to make sense, not just for me, but the opponent has to make sense, and, most importantly, it has to make sense for the company,” he explained. This period away from the Octagon allowed him to refine his approach to building and preparing for fights. Usman noted that his early career was characterized by chaos and unpredictability, but over time, he developed a more methodical strategy. “I’ve learned how to settle into a fight much sooner and understand what’s happening,” he said. Despite facing Du Plessis on relatively short notice, Usman feels confident in his preparation. “Being able to prepare is always a great thing,” he added. His experience during the layoff has equipped him with valuable insights that he aims to demonstrate in the upcoming bout. Du Plessis presents a formidable challenge, known for his relentless pressure and physical dominance in the middleweight division. The South African fighter has consistently pushed forward even under duress, such as during his recent encounter with Chimaev. Recognizing the importance of grappling in this matchup, Du Plessis has focused on improving his wrestling skills in anticipation of facing a seasoned grappler like Usman. Usman, with his NCAA Division II wrestling background, acknowledges that the fight will involve more than just striking. The outcome will likely hinge on a combination of techniques and strategies, reflecting the complexity of their impending clash.