UFC analysis: Five things Dricus du Plessis proved in his dominant win over Kamaru Usman
Dricus du Plessis returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion with a unanimous decision victory over former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.
The South African controlled much of the five-round contest, earning scorecards of 50-45 and 49-46 twice after producing one of the most complete performances of his career.
It was a display that drew praise even from former rival Israel Adesanya, who described it as the best he has seen from Du Plessis.
Sports News Blitz’s MMA expert Aidan Leo unpacks five major takeaways from a performance that could reshape the UFC middleweight division.
1. Du Plessis is evolving into a complete mixed martial artist
Earlier in his UFC career, Du Plessis often relied on relentless pressure, physicality and an unconventional style to overwhelm opponents.
Against Usman, there was noticeably greater composure.
Rather than chasing an early finish, he controlled distance, mixed his striking intelligently and consistently made the right tactical decisions across five rounds.
It was arguably the most polished performance of his UFC career.
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2. His takedown defence answered one of the biggest questions
Few fighters have built a reputation around wrestling quite like Usman.
The former welterweight champion has spent years controlling elite opponents with his grappling, yet Du Plessis largely neutralised that threat.
By consistently defending takedowns and forcing Usman to fight at his preferred range, the South African demonstrated that he can compete with elite wrestlers without abandoning his own attacking style.
That should give future middleweight contenders plenty to think about.
3. Championship experience is becoming one of his biggest strengths
Five-round fights demand more than physical ability.
They require patience, conditioning and the confidence to adapt as a contest develops.
Du Plessis looked comfortable throughout all 25 minutes.
Rather than fading, he maintained a high work rate while continuing to make smart decisions in the championship rounds.
Those are qualities typically associated with elite title contenders rather than fighters rebuilding after a defeat.
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4. He reminded everyone why he belongs among the division's elite
Losing a championship can sometimes change how a fighter is perceived.
Du Plessis ensured that wouldn't happen.
Instead of producing a cautious comeback performance, he defeated one of the UFC's most accomplished champions in convincing fashion.
The victory immediately returns him to the forefront of the middleweight title conversation, with Du Plessis himself calling for another opportunity to challenge Sean Strickland after the fight.
5. South African MMA continues to grow on the global stage
Du Plessis' success extends beyond his own career.
As the first South African to win a UFC championship, every high-profile victory further raises the profile of mixed martial arts across his country and the African continent.
That point was echoed further by Adesanya, who said Du Plessis' performance was a positive moment for African MMA despite their well-documented rivalry.
Performances against respected opponents such as Usman only strengthen that momentum and inspire the next generation of African fighters.
What's next for Dricus du Plessis?
The dominant victory leaves the UFC with several intriguing options.
A trilogy fight with Sean Strickland appears to be firmly back on the table, while a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev could also emerge depending on how the middleweight title picture develops.
Whatever direction the promotion chooses, Du Plessis has ensured his name remains central to the division's biggest conversations.
If this performance is a sign of what's to come, the road back to UFC gold may be shorter than many expected.
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