On Saturday, July 18, 2026, former UFC champion Kamaru Usman faced Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281 in Oklahoma City. The bout concluded with Du Plessis securing a unanimous decision victory after five full rounds.
Match Details and Career Context
Usman moved up to the middleweight division for this contest. The fight went the full distance, with Usman maintaining an aggressive pace throughout the five rounds. Despite the loss, the Nigerian-born fighter demonstrated the resilience characteristic of his career, which includes a 15-fight winning streak and five successful title defenses.
Post-Fight Reactions and Partnership
Following the event, Du Plessis acknowledged his opponent's effort. "Thank you, Kamaru Usman, for bringing the best out in me, and thank you for giving your life up over so many years to entertain these fans," Du Plessis stated. Usman accepted the verdict without dispute, noting, "I have no excuses.
I'm not used to being on this side."
The match highlights the ongoing partnership between Usman and MelBet. The betting operator cites shared principles such as discipline and leadership as the foundation of their collaboration. This association continues regardless of individual fight outcomes, focusing on Usman's long-term impact on the sport.