Former UFC Champions Meet in a Five-Round Middleweight Main Event at the Paycom Center on July 18
The UFC returns to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on July 18, 2026, with a compelling main event as Dricus Du Plessis faces Kamaru Usman in a five-round middleweight contest at the Paycom Center. Featuring two of the sport's most accomplished competitors, the bout matches a proven middleweight against one of the most successful welterweights in UFC history in what promises to be one of the marquee attractions on the Fight Night card.
According to the official event graphic, Du Plessis enters the contest with a professional record of 23-3, while Usman brings a 21-4 record into the Octagon. The graphic lists both fighters at 83 kilograms (183 pounds) with identical 1.93-meter (76-inch) reaches, making this a remarkably even matchup from a physical standpoint.
The event is scheduled to begin with the preliminary card at 5:00 p.m., followed by the main card at 8:00 p.m. The main event is scheduled for five rounds, giving both athletes ample opportunity to implement their respective game plans over the course of 25 minutes.
Although the fight is not identified as a title bout on the official promotional graphic, it features two fighters with championship credentials and could influence future matchmaking within the UFC's middleweight division.
Tale of the Tape
The official matchup statistics reveal only slight physical differences between the two competitors.
Du Plessis, who is South African, stands 1.85 meters (6-foot-1) tall and is listed at 32 years old. Usman, a Nigerian-born former UFC champion, stands 1.83 meters (6 feet) and is 39 years old.
Both athletes compete from a switch stance, allowing them to change between orthodox and southpaw positions throughout a fight. Their identical reach measurements mean neither man enters with a measurable advantage in arm length, placing greater emphasis on timing, footwork and positioning.
Age represents one of the more noticeable differences entering the contest, with Du Plessis holding a seven-year advantage. However, experience remains one of Usman's defining strengths after years of competing against elite opposition in UFC main events.
Du Plessis Relies on Pressure and Activity
Du Plessis has earned recognition for an aggressive style built around constant forward movement and offensive pressure. Rather than waiting for opponents to engage, he typically looks to dictate the pace by mixing striking combinations with clinch work and occasional takedown attempts.
The official statistics reflect that approach.
Du Plessis averages 5.18 significant strikes landed per minute, compared to 4.16 for Usman. That higher output illustrates his willingness to remain active throughout a fight and continuously pressure opponents.
His striking efficiency is also solid. The graphic credits him with 51.22 percent significant striking accuracy, demonstrating that he combines volume with effective shot placement.
His wrestling statistics add another layer to his offense. Du Plessis averages 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, while successfully completing 51.16 percent of his attempts.
He also averages 0.71 submissions per 15 minutes, suggesting he is comfortable pursuing finishing opportunities on the ground when situations develop.
Together, those numbers illustrate a fighter who is willing to attack in multiple phases of mixed martial arts rather than relying exclusively on striking.
Usman Brings Elite Experience
Usman enters the matchup as one of the most accomplished competitors of his generation.
A former UFC welterweight champion, he spent years competing against many of the organization's top athletes while establishing himself as one of the division's premier wrestlers. Throughout his career, he also developed into an efficient striker capable of controlling fights with disciplined technique and calculated offense.
The official statistics highlight that efficiency.
Usman lands 4.16 significant strikes per minute, fewer than Du Plessis, but connects at an impressive 63.80 percent striking accuracy, considerably higher than his opponent's percentage.
That difference reflects contrasting offensive approaches. Du Plessis generally emphasizes pace and pressure, while Usman has traditionally relied on precision and shot selection.
Usman's wrestling numbers remain impressive as well.
He averages 2.79 takedowns every 15 minutes, slightly more than Du Plessis, although the graphic lists his takedown accuracy at 44.06 percent.
His submission average sits at 0.09 per 15 minutes, indicating that positional control has generally been a greater focus than submission attempts during his UFC career.
Just as important as the statistics is his experience in five-round contests. Usman has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to compete effectively over championship-distance fights, making his composure and tactical decision-making valuable assets.
Statistical Comparison
The official numbers present an interesting contrast between activity and efficiency.
Du Plessis leads in significant strikes landed per minute and holds the higher takedown success rate.
Usman, meanwhile, owns the advantage in striking accuracy while averaging slightly more takedowns.
Neither competitor appears to possess an overwhelming statistical edge across every category, reinforcing why this matchup has generated significant interest among MMA fans.
Because both athletes share the same listed reach and compete from a switch stance, technical execution may prove more important than physical advantages.
Keys to Victory for Du Plessis
One area to watch will be Du Plessis' ability to establish his preferred pace early in the fight.
Maintaining consistent offensive pressure and forcing exchanges could allow him to maximize his higher striking output.
His takedown defense may also be an important factor. Successfully defending wrestling attempts would allow him to keep the fight in positions where he can continue working at his preferred pace.
Another element worth watching is how effectively he transitions between striking exchanges, clinch situations and grappling opportunities.
Keys to Victory for Usman
For Usman, controlling distance may be one of the most important objectives.
A disciplined jab, accurate counterstriking and timely wrestling attempts could help slow Du Plessis' offensive rhythm.
Mixing striking with clinch work may also create opportunities to reduce the amount of open-space exchanges, where Du Plessis often looks to establish momentum.
Usman's experience competing in five-round UFC main events could also prove valuable if the contest remains close entering the later rounds.
What Could Decide the Fight
Several factors stand out heading into this matchup.
The pace of the fight could become a major storyline. Du Plessis has historically produced a higher offensive output, while Usman has often emphasized efficiency and control.
Wrestling exchanges could also shape the outcome. Although Usman averages slightly more takedowns, Du Plessis owns the higher listed takedown accuracy, making those exchanges particularly intriguing.
Cardiovascular endurance may become increasingly important as the fight progresses through the scheduled five rounds.
Another key variable is adaptability. Both competitors have extensive experience competing against elite opponents and have shown the ability to make strategic adjustments during fights.
Why This Fight Matters
Even without championship stakes attached to the matchup, this main event features two recognizable names with proven records at the highest level of the sport.
For Du Plessis, a victory would strengthen his position among the UFC's leading middleweights and reinforce his standing against another accomplished opponent.
For Usman, a win would represent another significant achievement against elite competition while strengthening his position in the middleweight landscape.
With both fighters seeking another signature victory, the outcome is likely to draw attention throughout the division.
