Dricus du Plessis has opened as a heavy favorite against Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City. The early odds reflect a significant gap between the champion and the former welterweight king as fight week approaches.
Dricus du Plessis has opened as a heavy betting favorite heading into the middleweight main event against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City, with early lines pointing to a considerable gap between the two fighters as fight week draws near.
Du Plessis, 32, carries a 23-3-0 record into the bout and enters ranked second in the middleweight division and seventh on the pound-for-pound list. The South African southpaw-switch hitter out of Team CIT stands six-foot-one with a 76-inch reach and has built his reputation on relentless forward pressure, averaging 5.18 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy. He also adds a credible wrestling dimension, averaging 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a genuine threat across all phases.
Usman, meanwhile, makes a notable step up in weight for this contest, moving from welterweight — where he is ranked eighth — to middleweight to face the champion. The 39-year-old American, nicknamed The Nigerian Nightmare, holds a 21-4-0 record and trains out of Kill Cliff FC. He stands six feet tall with a matching 76-inch reach and brings exceptional wrestling credentials to the cage, averaging 2.82 takedowns per 15 minutes. His striking accuracy of 52 percent is among the sharper marks in the sport, though his output sits at 4.36 significant strikes per minute.
Why it matters
- Du Plessis defends his middleweight title against a former two-division contender moving up in weight
- Usman's elite wrestling could neutralize one of du Plessis's key weapons, setting up a compelling grappling chess match
- A win for Usman would be a landmark result given the weight class jump and age factor, while a du Plessis victory would further cement his pound-for-pound standing
