TLDR
- Kamaru Usman fights Dricus Du Plessis on July 18 at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City
- Du Plessis spent ten months improving his wrestling and striking for this matchup
- Usman is a former welterweight champion looking to continue his legendary career
- The main event features a clash of styles between Usman’s wrestling and Du Plessis’s evolved game
- Both fighters have much at stake in this main event bout
Sources: ufc.com
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman will face Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC Fight Night on July 18 in Oklahoma City. The bout marks Usman’s latest effort to continue his career after losing the championship.
Du Plessis has prepared for ten months specifically for this matchup. The fighter focused on improving both his wrestling and striking skills during this training period.
Usman built a legendary career in the UFC, holding the welterweight championship for several years. He defended the title multiple times before losing it in recent years.
The former champion now looks to write a new chapter in his career. This fight represents an important test for both fighters in different stages of their UFC journeys.
Dricus Du Plessis says he asked the UFC to fight Kamaru Usman due to his wrestling credentials and to prove that he leveled up his wrestling since his fight with Khamzat Chimaev 👀
“I’ve beaten the best striker in Strickland twice, I’ve beaten the best striker in Adesanya. I… pic.twitter.com/uWP1nx06Us
— Title Fight (@TitleFightMedia) July 14, 2026
Du Plessis Preparing for Grueling Battle
Du Plessis spent the past ten months evolving his game with Usman in mind. The fighter worked on developing his wrestling to match Usman’s elite grappling background.
The preparation also included striking improvements. Du Plessis expects a grueling war when he enters the octagon against the former champion.
Usman’s wrestling has been his strongest weapon throughout his career. He used his grappling skills to control opponents and win rounds during his championship reign.
Du Plessis knew he needed to improve his ground game to compete. The ten-month camp focused heavily on defending takedowns and wrestling exchanges.
Oklahoma City Hosts Main Event
The UFC Fight Night event takes place in Oklahoma City. The main event features these two fighters in what promoters expect to be a competitive matchup.
Usman’s return to the octagon has generated interest from fans. Many want to see if the former champion can still compete at the highest level.
Du Plessis enters the fight with momentum in his career. A win over Usman would boost his standing in the division.
The fight card streams on July 18. Fans can watch the main event and supporting bouts through UFC platforms.
Both fighters bring different styles to the matchup. Usman relies on his wrestling and pressure, while Du Plessis has worked to round out his skills.
UFC Fight Night: Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan Preview
The ten months of preparation Du Plessis invested shows his commitment to the fight. He understands the challenge Usman presents as a former champion.
Usman’s experience includes multiple title defenses and fights against top contenders. He faced the best welterweights during his championship run.
Du Plessis must use his improved wrestling and striking to find success. The improvements made during his training camp will be tested against Usman’s proven skills.
The main event status reflects the importance of this matchup. Both fighters have much to gain from a victory on July 18.
The UFC Fight Night event in Oklahoma City features Kamaru Usman versus Dricus Du Plessis as the headlining bout. Du Plessis spent ten months preparing his wrestling and striking specifically for this matchup against the former champion.
