Dricus Du Plessis Dominates Kamaru Usman in Five-Round War at UFC OKC
Dricus Du Plessis once again proved why he sits atop the UFC middleweight division, delivering a championship-level performance against one of the greatest welterweights in MMA history.
In the main event of UFC OKC, Du Plessis (23-3) defeated former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (21-5) by unanimous decision, sweeping the scorecards 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.
From the opening bell, Du Plessis showcased the physicality and unpredictability that have made him one of the sport’s most dangerous fighters. The South African landed heavy right hands behind Usman’s ear while forcing the former champion into uncomfortable exchanges. In the second round, Usman displayed the toughness that has defined his career, absorbing a knee to the face and continued to push forward.
Du Plessis Kept the onslaught going putting Usman in trouble with a massive overhand right on the temple. Despite the damage, Usman refused to fold.
Du Plessis continued his attack in the third round, targeting the body and legs with kicks while mixing in his trademark pressure. However, Usman began to find momentum in the championship rounds, moving forward and forcing exchanges in the fourth. Just as it appeared Usman was building confidence, Du Plessis changed the fight again, landing a perfectly timed question mark kick that wobbled Usman for the third time.
The damage continued into the fifth round when Du Plessis landed a left high kick that sent Usman stumbling backward on unsteady legs. Yet even after absorbing a brutal amount of punishment, Usman continued to show the heart of a champion, pushing forward and throwing powerful hooks during the final seconds of the fight.
The victory further cements Du Plessis as one of the elite fighters at 185 pounds, while Usman once again showed why his toughness and championship pedigree remain unquestioned.
Christian Leroy Duncan Announces Arrival With Statement Win Over Jared Cannonier
The middleweight division may have found its next contender.
Christian Leroy Duncan (15-2) delivered the biggest win of his career, defeating longtime contender Jared Cannonier (18-10) by unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27.
Duncan’s dynamic offense created problems throughout the fight, forcing Cannonier to hesitate before launching his own counters. The speed advantage was evident early, as Duncan landed a sharp left hook-right uppercut combination that visibly hurt Cannonier.
Showing continued growth, Duncan also mixed in takedowns and controlled moments on the ground while keeping Cannonier from establishing his powerful striking game.
The fight represented a potential passing of the torch moment, as Duncan showcased the talent and athletic ability that have made him a prospect to watch. However, a dangerous mistake nearly changed the fight when Duncan came close to landing an illegal knee in the second round, a moment that highlighted the continued need for improvement in fight IQ.
Chase Hooper Continues Submission Surge
Chase Hooper (17-5-1) made quick work of Mitch Ramirez (8-4), securing a first-round rear-naked choke submission at 2:15.
The lightweight bout was a complete showcase of Hooper’s grappling. After securing a single-leg takedown, Hooper immediately transitioned to the back, locked in a body triangle, and finished the fight with the rear-naked choke.
The victory marked the ninth submission win of Hooper’s professional career.
Fatima Kline Makes Strawweight Statement Against Tabatha Ricci
Fatima Kline (10-1) may have earned herself a spot among the UFC’s elite at strawweight after defeating Tabatha Ricci (12-5) by unanimous decision with three 30-27 scorecards.
Kline’s boxing was on full display as she landed clean combinations and consistently found her target. But the biggest statement came in the grappling exchanges.
Facing a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Kline showed no hesitation taking the fight to the mat and repeatedly staying a step ahead of Ricci. She even threatened a rear-naked choke late in the second round, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that could soon see her challenge the division’s top five.
Tommy McMillen Remains Perfect With TKO Finish
Undefeated featherweight prospect Tommy McMillen (11-0) continued his rise with a third-round TKO victory over Alberto Montes (11-2).
McMillen applied constant forward pressure throughout the fight, mixing sharp straight punches with intelligent attacks to the body. After breaking Montes down over multiple rounds, McMillen dropped him with an uppercut in the third.
Instead of rushing blindly, McMillen allowed Montes back to his feet before opening up his offense and earning the standing TKO stoppage at 3:29.
The victory marked the 10th finish of McMillen’s career.
Jose Delgado Outpoints Austin Bashi in Featherweight Prospect Clash
Jose Delgado (12-2) took a major step forward in the featherweight division, defeating fellow prospect Austin Bashi (14-2) by unanimous decision.
Delgado seized control early, dropping Bashi with a straight left hand before later connecting with a knee in the opening round. His precision striking remained effective throughout the fight.
Bashi attempted a comeback in the third round, securing a takedown and briefly threatening from mount, but Delgado’s early work proved too much to overcome.
With Delgado and McMillen both scoring impressive victories, the featherweight division continues to showcase a deep collection of emerging talent.
UFC OKC Preliminary Card Results
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (11-2) defeated Seok Hyun Ko (13-3) by unanimous decision (29-28 x3). Lebosnoyani attempted multiple deep guillotine attempts early before taking over with a strong striking performance late.
Felipe Franco (11-2) defeated Levi Rodrigues Jr. (5-1) by second-round TKO via strikes from mount at 1:40. After testing each other’s durability early, Franco used his wrestling to take control and eventually found the finish.
Ezra Elliott (7-0) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision victory over Damien Anderson (5-1). Elliott controlled the grappling exchanges and repeatedly threatened with D’Arce choke attempts.
Alden Coria (13-3) defeated Stewart Nicoll (8-4) by unanimous decision behind smooth boxing combinations and dangerous submission attempts.
RJ Harris (6-0) stayed unbeaten with a first-round TKO victory over Alvin Hines (7-2). Harris landed a devastating uppercut that lifted Hines off the canvas before finishing with ground strikes at 1:40.
Dione Barbosa (10-4) closed out the card with a dominant submission victory over Anna Melisano (6-2). Barbosa scored a takedown, immediately took the back, and secured a standing rear-naked choke at 4:04 of the opening round.
UFC OKC showcased the best of the sport’s present and future, with Du Plessis reinforcing his championship status while a new wave of contenders — Duncan, Kline, McMillen, and Delgado — continued making their cases as fighters to watch.
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