Du Plessis Faces Usman in UFC Fight Night 281 Main Event on July 18

Q: Can 39-year-old Kamaru Usman’s bold move to middleweight end with him capturing a second world title?

Yes, but the odds and circumstances suggest it is more unlikely than likely. Usman remains a credible threat because his wrestling, championship experience and durability still translate at a high level. He already showed he can compete at 185 pounds when he pushed Khamzat Chimaev to a close decision on short notice in 2023, and his June 2025 win over Joaquin Buckley ended a long skid and gave him needed momentum. If he beats Dricus du Plessis in Oklahoma City, he would immediately strengthen his case as a serious middleweight contender. The obstacles are significant. Usman is 39, moving permanently into a division where he no longer enjoys the physical edge that helped define his welterweight title run. He has only one win in nearly four years, and the middleweight field is deep. Du Plessis, 32, is a former champion with wins over Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya, and sportsbooks have opened him as a clear favorite at around -230, with Usman at +195. The title picture also matters. Sean Strickland is now the reigning middleweight champion after beating Chimaev earlier this month, so even a win over Du Plessis would not make Usman champion; it would likely only move him into title-shot range. That means he probably needs at least one elite win, and possibly another, before fighting for the belt. So Usman can still do it, but he must overcome age, size dynamics and a difficult path. At this stage, a second UFC title is possible, not probable.

3 articles · Updated · MMA Junkie · Jun 21

July 18 will bring a five-round middleweight headliner in Oklahoma City, where former champion Dricus Du Plessis meets ex-welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman at Paycom Center.
Usman, 21-4 in MMA and 16-3 in UFC, is moving back to 185 pounds after a June decision win over Joaquin Buckley ended a three-fight skid and kept him chasing another title run.
Du Plessis, 23-3 and 9-1 in UFC, fights for the first time since losing the middleweight belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, with a win potentially pushing him back into contention.
The July 18 card, which streams on Paramount+, also includes Jared Cannonier vs. Christian Leroy Duncan and Kevin Holland vs. Jacobe Smith.