UFC Oklahoma reaction: Dricus du Plessis outclasses Kamaru Usman in dominant five-round performance
Dricus du Plessis produced one of the finest performances of his UFC career on Saturday night, defeating former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Oklahoma.
The South African controlled the contest from the opening bell, earning scorecards of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46 after a disciplined five-round display that showcased the continued evolution of his game.
For Du Plessis, the victory represented far more than another win. It was a statement that he remains firmly among the elite middleweights in the world.
A complete performance
Throughout the 25-minute contest, Du Plessis dictated the pace and refused to allow Usman to establish any sustained momentum.
Long regarded as one of the sport's greatest wrestlers, Usman struggled to impose his usual grappling game as du Plessis consistently defended takedown attempts and forced the former champion into uncomfortable striking exchanges.
Analysts noted that Du Plessis neutralized Usman's wrestling while landing the cleaner, more damaging shots over five rounds.
Rather than chasing an early finish, the South African remained composed.
He mixed his striking effectively, attacked with kicks to all levels and repeatedly disrupted Usman's rhythm with constant forward pressure.
By the championship rounds, the outcome had become increasingly clear.
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Du Plessis answers the critics
This performance also demonstrated just how much Du Plessis has developed as a complete mixed martial artist.
In previous years, his success was often attributed to relentless pressure and awkward, unorthodox attacks.
Against Usman, however, his victory was built on technical discipline.
His jab repeatedly found its target, his distance management improved as the fight progressed and his takedown defence held firm against one of the UFC's most accomplished wrestlers.
It was arguably the most polished performance of his career.
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Usman battled through adversity
Despite the one-sided scorecards, Usman showed the toughness that has defined his career.
After the fight, he revealed that a punch to the eye in the second round significantly affected his vision for the remainder of the contest.
"That kind of blurred the vision a bit," Usman said.
Even while dealing with the injury, the former champion continued to fight until the final horn and managed to win the fifth round on two judges' scorecards.
He also hinted that he entered the bout carrying other physical issues but declined to elaborate, noting that fighting through injuries is common in MMA.
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What comes next?
The victory immediately places Du Plessis back at the forefront of the middleweight title picture.
MMA Fighting described the performance as a return to form, while debate has already shifted toward what the win means for his next opportunity.
Meanwhile, other analysts have suggested the display may have earned Du Plessis another shot at the division's biggest names after proving he has added new layers to his game.
A statement made
Great fighters don't simply win - they evolve.
Against Usman, Du Plessis looked faster, more measured and more complete than ever before.
For five rounds he neutralised one of the UFC's most accomplished champions, controlled the tempo of the fight and left little doubt over the result.
If there were lingering questions about where du Plessis stands among the world's best middleweights, Saturday night in Oklahoma provided a convincing answer.
He isn't just back. He has become an even more dangerous and composed version of himself.
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