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This content was machine-translated from the French version.
Oklahoma has been waiting nine years for this. On Saturday 18 July, the Paycom Centre in Oklahoma City will be buzzing with UFC action for the first time since 2017. And for this return to the American Midwest, the organisation has pulled out all the stops: a main event between Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman, two former champions who have just one obsession ā to return to the top.
Du Plessis vs Usman: the clash of wounded egos
Just under a year ago, Dricus du Plessis was still wearing the middleweight belt around his waist.
Just under a year ago, Dricus du Plessis was still wearing the middleweight belt around his waist. He lost that belt in August 2025, and ever since, the South African has been champing at the bit. Twenty-three wins to three defeats, an aggressive style that leaves no one indifferent, and a spine-chilling ability to finish fights: āStillknocksā has everything it takes to become the divisionās boss once again.
Facing him, Kamaru Usman is moving up a weight class. The former undisputed welterweight champion, with a record of 21 wins to 4 defeats, is moving up to 84 kilos to challenge the South African on his home turf. Itās a risky gamble for āThe Nigerian Nightmareā, who hasnāt fought for several months and will have to contend with the physical power of an opponent who is naturally heavier.
On paper, itās a magnificent clash. Two former champions, two exceptional careers, two iron wills. In the Octagon, fights like this exude a special tension, palpable from the very first glance exchanged during the face-to-face. The winner will make a major statement in the title race. The loser could see the road to the top grow dangerously longer.
A card thatās packed a punch
Whilst the main event is sure to get fansā mouths watering, the rest of the card is far from just an appetiser. Eight further bouts have been confirmed, and several names are catching the eye. Jared Cannonier, an ever-dangerous veteran of the middleweight division, will face Britainās Christian Leroy Duncan in a bout that promises some spectacular technical action.
In the same division, Kevin Holland, one of the most unpredictable and spectacular fighters on the UFC roster, will take on Jacobe Smith. Holland, capable of both the best and the worst, is coming off performances that have divided observers. A convincing victory would put him back in the running for a title shot.
The rest of the card features a mix of young prospects seeking recognition and seasoned veterans fighting for their future in the organisation. At a Fight Night event, every bout counts, and surprises are often on the cards when the spotlight isnāt as intense as on a pay-per-view night.
Oklahoma: a land of redemption
The choice of Oklahoma City is no coincidence. The UFCās last visit to the state was back in 2017 ā an eternity by the organisationās standards, given its habit of criss-crossing the US. This return is a gamble on a region hungry for major sporting events, as evidenced by the enthusiasm surrounding the Thunder in the NBA.
For the UFC, this Fight Night is also an opportunity to keep the momentum going after a memorable UFC 329 in Las Vegas ā where Conor McGregor was injured in the very first exchange. The machine never stops, and Oklahoma City could well deliver one of the most memorable cards of the summer.
One major question remains: will the winner of the main event get a title shot? In a middleweight division where the pecking order is still unclear, a spectacular victory on Saturday night would change a great deal. Du Plessis knows this. So does Usman. The cage is ready.
