At the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Dricus Du Plessis put on a clinic, defeating former champion Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision, with judges scoring 50‑45, 49‑46 and 49‑46. The battle saw Du Plessis’ power and volume overwhelm Usman, keeping relentless pressure throughout all five rounds.

Returning after his first UFC loss to Khamzat Chimaev, Du Plessis opened the fight with jabs, leg kicks and a hard right to the temple, then followed with knees and head kicks that staggered Usman. A single takedown in round three didn’t change the tide; Du craftfully regained his footing and continued to dictate the pace.

Usman, who had campaigned for a title shot at 170 pounds, shifted to 185 and tried to mount a comeback in the final round, but a huge head kick and the sheer volume of strikes left him too far behind. He finished with a few big haymakers, but it was too late.

Now ranked No.2, Du Plessis claims he deserves the next title shot and calls for a trilogy against the former champion.