The UFC is making its long-awaited return to Oklahoma City, and it’s bringing a blockbuster main event with it.
On Saturday, July 18, UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman takes over the Paycom Center, marking the promotion’s first event in Oklahoma City in nearly a decade and its debut inside the arena. Headlining the card is a compelling middleweight showdown between former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and former UFC welterweight king Kamaru Usman.
The action begins with prelims airing at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with all bouts streaming live on Paramount+.
Du Plessis Looks to Reassert His Dominance at Middleweight
Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis enters the contest with a professional record of 23-3, representing Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa. Known for his relentless pressure and finishing ability, Du Plessis has earned stoppages in 20 of his 23 victories, making him one of the most dangerous men in the division.
His résumé speaks for itself, featuring notable wins over Sean Strickland (twice), Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker. Now ranked No. 2 at middleweight, Du Plessis aims to defend his place among the elite and halt Usman’s ambitions at 185 pounds.
Usman Eyes Historic Two-Division Gold
Kamaru Usman (21-4), fighting out of Denver, Colorado by way of Auchi, Nigeria, returns for his second appearance at middleweight with championship aspirations.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, Usman built a legacy with victories over Colby Covington (twice), Jorge Masvidal (twice), and Tyron Woodley. With a move up in weight, Usman now seeks to prove he remains championship caliber and capable of capturing UFC gold in a second division.
A win over Du Plessis would immediately launch him into serious title contention.
Cannonier vs. Duncan Adds Fire to Co-Main Spotlight
The featured bout pits No. 11-ranked middleweight Jared Cannonier against surging No. 13 contender Christian Leroy Duncan.
Cannonier (18-9), fighting out of Glendale, Arizona, makes his first Octagon appearance of 2026. A former title challenger, “The Killa Gorilla” owns impressive wins over Gregory Rodrigues, Marvin Vettori, and Derek Brunson. He’ll look to protect his ranking and stop another rising prospect.
Duncan (14-2), fighting out of Gloucester, England, has been climbing quickly thanks to his dynamic striking and momentum-building wins over Roman Dolidze, Marco Tulio, and Eryk Anders. A victory over Cannonier would mark the biggest win of his career.
Additional Bouts Announced
The Oklahoma City card is loaded with exciting matchups from top to bottom:
- Kevin Holland vs. Jacobe Smith – Welterweight clash featuring a fan favorite against an undefeated prospect
- Austin Bashi vs. Jose Delgado – Featherweight showdown
- Tommy McMillen vs. Alberto Montes – Rising featherweight prospects collide
- Tabatha Ricci vs. Fatima Kline – Women’s strawweight matchup
- Levi Rodrigues Jr. vs. Felipe Franco – Light heavyweight bout featuring a DWCS standout
- Alden Coria vs. Stewart Nicoll
- Allen Frye Jr. vs. Alvin Hines – Heavyweight action
- Chase Hooper vs. Mitch Ramirez – Lightweight contest
- Veronica Hardy vs. Dione Barbosa – Women’s flyweight tilt
With two former champions colliding in the main event and a deep undercard filled with rising talent and established contenders, UFC’s return to Oklahoma City promises to deliver a memorable night of action.
Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman are on sale now via Ticketmaster, with ticket sales limited to eight per person.
For the latest updates on bout announcements and event information, visit UFC.com.
This card looks stacked. The Du Plessis vs. Usman matchup is especially intriguing—former champs, different weight classes, and huge title implications.
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