**Du Plessis Makes Winning Return to UFC with Dominant Decision Over Usman**
Dricus Du Plessis marked a triumphant return to the UFC with a commanding victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night, held at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This match, which took place on July 19, 2026, was Du Plessis's first fight in nearly a year, following a hiatus after losing his middleweight title.
The judges scored the bout 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Du Plessis, who now holds a professional record of 24 wins and 3 losses. The South African fighter showcased his skills effectively, dominating the fight with a significant edge in total strikes, landing 139 compared to Usman's 99. Notably, Du Plessis delivered 136 significant strikes, while Usman managed only 92, highlighting Du Plessis's striking accuracy and control throughout the match.
Du Plessis, who previously held the middleweight championship from January 2024 until mid-August of the same year, expressed the importance of his performance, particularly for the youth in South Africa who look up to him. "I had to get up," he stated after the fight. "There’s so many South African kids that look up to me. It’s bigger than me. I can’t go lie down." His determination and connection to his roots were evident as he stepped back into the octagon after a challenging period.
Kamaru Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion, faced Du Plessis in what was his first fight in 13 months. The 39-year-old Nigerian fighter has struggled in recent bouts, losing four of his last five fights. Despite his past accolades, including a reign as welterweight champion from March 2019 to November 2021, Usman was unable to secure a victory against Du Plessis, who effectively neutralized his opponent's strategies throughout the fight.
The main event was not the only highlight of the night. In the co-main event, England’s Christian Leroy Duncan faced Jared Cannonier and emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of Duncan, further solidifying his position in the middleweight division.
Du Plessis's victory not only serves as a personal comeback but also reinforces his status as a prominent figure in the UFC's middleweight landscape, particularly following his previous championship reign. With this win, he aims to reestablish himself as a top contender in the division, potentially setting the stage for future title opportunities.
As the UFC continues to evolve, Du Plessis's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, especially given his impressive striking and resilience in the octagon. The fight against Usman marks a significant step in his journey, and it will be interesting to see how he capitalizes on this momentum in the coming months.