Kamaru Usman

UFC Fight Night 281 is scheduled for July 18 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with Dricus Du Plessis meeting Kamaru Usman in the main event. ESPN’s fight center lists the event and confirms the venue, while MMA Junkie’s July 13 preview lays out the main card and prelims. The booking matters because it keeps the middleweight title picture active and gives Usman a major test at 185 pounds. The card also features Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan and Chase Hooper vs. Mitch Ramirez, which could affect both divisional depth and momentum for rising contenders. Fans should expect the event to proceed as planned unless late changes emerge.

Dricus Du PlessisJared CannonierChase HooperChristian Leroy Duncan+2

Belal Muhammad has reacted to Kamaru Usman's appearance at UFC OKC and set his sights on Colby Covington as his next target following RAF 11. Muhammad made clear he intends to take the fight to the wrestling mats, quipping that while he cannot slap Covington, he can slam him on his head.

Ben AskrenDricus Du PlessisBelal MuhammadClay Guida+4

Kamaru Usman ranks fourth all-time in career control time in the UFC and holds the promotional record with eight fights in which he recorded 10 or more minutes of control time. Usman is set to compete at UFC OKC, where he will look to add to that legacy.

Kamaru Usman