Du Plessis vs Usman Prediction 19 July 2026
⭐️ The main event of the upcoming UFC card in Oklahoma is shaping up to be a summer highlight for MMA fans. Former dominant welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is making the move up a division to take on the dangerous Dricus Du Plessis. The South African recently lost his title and is eager to reclaim his place at the top of the division as quickly as possible. Bookmakers see the younger Du Plessis as the clear favorite, giving him significantly better odds to come out on top. However, it would be a mistake to count out the legendary Nigerian, as anything can happen once the cage door closes.
Head-to-head statistics Du Plessis - Usman
Dricus Du Plessis Player Overview
Dricus Du Plessis began his martial arts journey with judo and kickboxing, eventually earning a black belt in both disciplines. He even dropped out of university in his final year to pursue a professional fighting career. Du Plessis made a spectacular entrance into the UFC, rattling off a seven-fight winning streak that culminated in him capturing the middleweight title. Along the way, he defeated such legendary opponents as Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. A disappointing loss to Khamzat Chimaev last summer cost him the belt, but only fueled the South African’s determination ahead of his comeback.
Match Results: Dricus Du Plessis
Kamaru Usman Player Overview
Kamaru Usman made the transition to mixed martial arts from freestyle wrestling after falling short of qualifying for the Olympics. Once in the UFC, the Nigerian quickly established himself as a dominant force in the welterweight division, successfully defending his championship belt five times in a row. Following a tough run of losses and relinquishing his title to Leon Edwards, the veteran decided to test himself in a new weight class. In his most recent bout, Usman delivered a confident performance, defeating Joaquin Buckley and snapping his losing streak. Now, Usman is determined to prove that his wrestling pedigree and championship experience can still break even the toughest opponents.
Match Results: Kamaru Usman
⭐ Editorial Prediction
Du Plessis is renowned for his relentless pressure and blistering pace, which can disrupt any opponent’s game plan. Usman will have to expend enormous energy to keep up in the grappling exchanges against a physically stronger rival. However, as the fight heads into the championship rounds, age and fatigue are likely to take their toll on the Nigerian veteran’s speed and focus. One clean shot or a well-executed submission from Dricus could bring this contest to an end. Yes, Chimaev exposed some vulnerabilities in Du Plessis’ ground game, but Kamaru is not Khamzat, he won’t be able to control the South African for five rounds with the same pragmatic approach. That’s why we’re backing a Du Plessis victory.