A middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman is reportedly in negotiations and could take place in July, according to journalist Kevin Iole. This development raises questions about the future matchup for top contender Caio Borralho, who was expected to receive a title shot. The post speculates on alternative opponents for Borralho if the Du Plessis-Usman bout is finalized.
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former welterweight king Kamaru Usman are reportedly in negotiations for a title fight that could land in July, according to journalist Kevin Iole. Nothing has been officially confirmed, and the bout should be treated as unverified at this stage.
Du Plessis, 32, holds a 23-3-0 record and enters as the reigning middleweight champion, currently ranked second in the division and seventh on the pound-for-pound list. The South African southpaw — who fights out of a switch stance for Team CIT — stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and posts a striking output of 5.18 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, while also averaging 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Usman, 39, carries a 21-4-0 record and would be stepping up from welterweight to challenge for the 185-pound title. Fighting out of Kill Cliff FC, the American nicknamed "The Nigerian Nightmare" is currently ranked eighth at welterweight. He also stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach and brings a high-volume striking game, landing 4.36 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy alongside 2.82 takedowns per 15 minutes.
The reported negotiation creates an uncertain picture for Caio Borralho, the fourth-ranked middleweight at 33 years old who carries an 18-2-0 record and had been widely anticipated as the next title challenger. The Brazilian southpaw from The Fighting Nerds posts a striking accuracy of 56 percent — among the sharper marks in the division — and if the Du Plessis-Usman fight is finalized, Borralho would need to look elsewhere for his next assignment.
Why it matters
- Du Plessis defending against Usman would mark a cross-divisional move, with Usman making his middleweight debut on the biggest possible stage
- A confirmed booking would effectively push Borralho, the fourth-ranked contender, out of an expected title shot
- Both Du Plessis and Usman share identical 76-inch reaches and switch stances, setting up a closely matched physical contest if the fight is made
