Former Middleweight Champion Du Plessis Triumphs in Return Bout
Dricus Du Plessis, a prominent South African mixed martial artist, made a successful comeback to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon following an almost year-long hiatus. In the main event of UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City, Du Plessis secured a unanimous decision victory over Nigerian fighter Kamaru Usman. The judges' scorecards reflected a clear win for Du Plessis, with scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.
This victory marks a significant moment for the 32-year-old Du Plessis (24-3 MMA), who previously held the UFC middleweight championship from January 2024 until August 2025. His reign concluded with a loss to Khamzat Chimaev, who currently holds the title. Prior to that defeat, Du Plessis had enjoyed an impressive nine-fight winning streak within the UFC.
A Resilient Comeback and National Pride
Du Plessis's return to competition was his first since his winning streak was broken by Chimaev. Reflecting on his motivation, he emphasized the importance of his South African heritage and the inspiration he provides to younger generations. "I had to get up," Du Plessis stated, highlighting the responsibility he feels. "There's so many South African kids that look up to me. It's bigger than me. I can't go lie down." This sentiment underscores the profound connection he maintains with his roots and the broader impact of his athletic endeavors.
Despite the extended break from active competition, Du Plessis displayed no signs of rust. The bout primarily unfolded as a stand-up contest, with neither fighter successfully executing takedowns or submission attempts. Du Plessis demonstrated superior striking throughout the fight, landing a total of 139 strikes compared to Usman's 99. Furthermore, he connected with 136 significant strikes, surpassing Usman's 92.
Usman's Recent Struggles Continue
Kamaru Usman (21-5), a former UFC welterweight champion who held the title from March 2019 to November 2021, faced another setback in his professional career. The 39-year-old Nigerian fighter has now lost four of his last five bouts. This fight marked his first appearance in 13 months, and he was unable to secure a second consecutive victory, adding to a challenging period in his career.
Co-Main Event Results
In the middleweight co-main event of the evening, England's Christian Leroy Duncan (15-2) emerged victorious over Jared Cannonier (18-10 MMA). Duncan secured a unanimous decision win, with the judges scoring the contest 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in his favor. This result further solidified Duncan's position within the competitive middleweight division.
The event showcased a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, contributing to another engaging night of mixed martial arts action in the UFC.
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