UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman Brings Middleweight Showdown to Oklahoma City
For the first time in nearly a decade, the UFC returns to Oklahoma City with a pivotal middleweight main event as former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis faces former welterweight king Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night on July 18 inside the Paycom Center. The event marks the promotion’s debut at the venue and features a card loaded with ranked contenders, rising prospects, and established veterans.
Du Plessis enters the contest looking to reaffirm his place among the division’s elite after a championship run that included victories over Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker. The South African standout has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport, earning stoppages in 20 of his 23 career victories. Ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division, Du Plessis hopes a victory over a former pound-for-pound great will move him back toward title contention.
Standing across from him will be Usman, one of the most accomplished welterweights in UFC history. The former champion owns notable victories over Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Tyron Woodley and now continues his pursuit of success in a second weight class. After making the move to middleweight, Usman sees a win over Du Plessis as the fastest path to another championship opportunity.
The co-main event features a battle between ranked middleweights as No. 11 Jared Cannonier takes on No. 13 Christian Leroy Duncan. Cannonier returns for his first appearance of 2026 looking to defend his position in the rankings. The former title challenger has earned notable wins over Gregory Rodrigues, Marvin Vettori, and Derek Brunson during his UFC tenure.
Duncan enters the matchup riding significant momentum. The English striker has climbed into the Top 15 with consecutive victories over Roman Dolidze, Marco Tulio, and Eryk Anders. A victory over Cannonier would likely propel him into the upper tier of the middleweight division.
The main card also features an intriguing welterweight matchup between fan favorite Kevin Holland and unbeaten prospect Jacobe Smith. Holland’s experience and unpredictability will be tested by Smith, who carries an undefeated 12-0 record into the biggest fight of his career.
Additional action includes featherweight prospects Austin Bashi and Jose Delgado squaring off, while undefeated featherweight Tommy McMillen looks to continue his rise against Venezuela’s Alberto Montes. In the women’s strawweight division, Tabatha Ricci faces surging contender Fatima Kline in a matchup that could have ranking implications.
The preliminary card showcases several prospects looking to make statements, including Dana White’s Contender Series graduate Levi Rodrigues Jr., who meets fellow Brazilian Felipe Franco at light heavyweight. Alden Coria puts his unbeaten UFC record on the line against Australia’s Stewart Nicoll, while heavyweight hopefuls Allen Frye Jr. and Alvin Hines collide in a clash of emerging big men.
Elsewhere, lightweight action sees Chase Hooper take on Mitch Ramirez, while Veronica Hardy and Dione Barbosa meet in a women’s flyweight bout.
With former champions, ranked contenders, and a collection of promising prospects throughout the lineup, UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman promises to deliver a memorable return to Oklahoma City when the Octagon arrives on July 18.
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