A potential fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman is in negotiations and could take place in July, according to KevinK. This development raises questions about what will happen with Caio Borralho, who was potentially in line for a significant matchup. The post notes uncertainty around Borralho's next opponent if this fight materializes.
Reports surfaced on April 30 that UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former welterweight king Kamaru Usman are in negotiations for a fight that could land in July, though the matchup has not been officially confirmed.
Du Plessis, 32, carries a 23-3-0 record and holds the middleweight title while sitting at number two in the divisional rankings and number seven in the pound-for-pound standings. The South African fighter out of Team CIT is one of the more active strikers in the division, landing 5.18 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, and also threatens with takedowns at a rate of 2.22 per 15 minutes. He stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and fights out of a switch stance.
Usman, 39, would be moving up from welterweight to take the fight. The Nigerian Nightmare holds a 21-4-0 record and is currently ranked eighth in the welterweight division. Operating out of Kill Cliff FC, the American-based fighter lands 4.36 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and has historically been a volume grappler, averaging 2.82 takedown attempts per 15 minutes. He also stands six feet tall with a 76-inch reach.
Why it matters
- A title fight between Du Plessis and Usman would mark a high-profile cross-divisional move for Usman, stepping up to 185 pounds.
- The reported negotiations cast doubt on the middleweight title picture for Caio Borralho, ranked fourth in the division at 18-2-0, who had been considered a possible next contender.
- Borralho's path to a title shot becomes unclear if this bout is confirmed, leaving his next opponent uncertain.
