UFC Oklahoma betting tips: Dricus du Plessis vs Kamaru Usman best bets and predictions
Former UFC champions Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman headline UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City on Saturday, July 18, with both men looking to move back into middleweight title contention.
Du Plessis enters the contest eager to bounce back after losing the middleweight belt, while Usman steps up to 185 pounds full-time after reviving his career with an impressive victory in his last outing over Joaquin Buckley.
With plenty on the line for both fighters, expect an intense five-round main event at the Paycom Center.
Odds provided by Hollywood Bets.
Fight analysis
Stylistically, this is one of the most intriguing match-ups of the year.
Usman remains one of the sport's most accomplished wrestlers and has the experience to make any fight uncomfortable.
His route to victory revolves around controlling the pace, forcing clinch exchanges and limiting Du Plessis' opportunities to open up with his unpredictable striking.
The challenge is sustaining that approach for five rounds against one of the UFC's most relentless pressure fighters.
Du Plessis throws from unusual angles, constantly moves forward and has developed into an excellent finisher whenever opponents begin to fade.
His cardio and willingness to keep a high pace could become increasingly significant as the fight progresses.
While Usman possesses the wrestling pedigree to create problems early, Du Plessis' size, physicality and constant forward pressure should gradually take control of the contest.
Key match-up
Dricus du Plessis' pressure vs Kamaru Usman's wrestling
Everything points towards this battle deciding the outcome.
If Usman can consistently secure takedowns and dictate where the fight takes place, he has every chance of frustrating the South African over five rounds.
However, if Du Plessis is able to defend early takedown attempts and force prolonged striking exchanges, the momentum should steadily swing in his favour.
As the fight progresses, the South African's volume and physicality are likely to become increasingly difficult to manage.
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Best bets
Dricus du Plessis to win by KO/TKO (2.05)
This is the standout value selection.
Du Plessis carries genuine stopping power, and if Usman's movement begins to slow after defending constant pressure, the South African has the tools to force a referee stoppage in the championship rounds.
Under 3.5 Rounds (1.48)
Both men are aggressive when opportunities present themselves.
Usman will likely push hard to establish wrestling dominance early, while Du Plessis thrives once opponents begin exchanging more openly.
A finish before the halfway point of Round 4 looks a realistic outcome.
Dricus du Plessis KO or Points (0.6)
For bettors looking for a safer option, this market covers Du Plessis' two most probable routes to victory.
If the knockout doesn't materialise, his pressure, activity and striking output should still put him in a strong position on the judges' scorecards.
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Prediction
Usman should enjoy success during the opening exchanges through his wrestling and experience.
The longer the contest continues, however, the more it favours Du Plessis.
Expect the South African to gradually wear his opponent down before finding the finish as the fight enters the middle rounds.
Prediction: Dricus du Plessis wins via third-round TKO.
Best bets
Dricus du Plessis by KO/TKO (2.05)
Under 3.5 Rounds (1.48)
Dricus du Plessis KO or Points (0.6)
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