The main event of UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman is one of the most intriguing middleweight matchups of 2026. It pits two former UFC champions against one another, with both looking to position themselves for another run at UFC gold.
Dricus Du Plessis enters the fight after suffering the first loss of his UFC career when he dropped the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Prior to that setback, the South African had built one of the best résumés in the division with victories over Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Darren Till.
Usman, meanwhile, revitalized his career with a dominant win over Joaquin Buckley and now moves back to middleweight full-time. While he is no longer the dominant welterweight champion who ruled the division for years, he remains one of the smartest and most technically sound fighters on the roster.
Dricus Du Plessis
Last 3 bouts
Lose. Khamzat Chimaev – Unanimous Decision
Win. Sean Strickland – Unanimous Decision
Win. Israel Adesanya – Submission
Strengths
Elite physicality and durability
Powerful striking from both stances
Dangerous submission game
Excellent cardio for a high-output fighter
Ability to maintain pressure over five rounds
Proven success against elite middleweights such as Adesanya and Strickland
Weaknesses
Defensive striking can be awkward
Leaves openings during aggressive exchanges
Recently exposed by Chimaev’s wrestling
Can absorb significant damage while pushing forward
Sometimes relies on toughness over technique
Keys to Victory
Pressure Usman from the opening bell
Attack the legs and body
Force Usman to fight at a higher pace
Defend early takedown attempts
Use his size advantage to wear down the former welterweight champion
Kamaru Usman
Last 3 bouts
Win. Joaquin Buckley – Unanimous Decision
Lose. Khamzat Chimaev – Majority Decision
Lose. Leon Edwards – Majority Decision
Strengths
Elite wrestling pedigree
Strong top control
Outstanding fight IQ
Championship experience
Excellent cardio and pace management
Proven ability to win five-round fights against elite competition
Weaknesses
Moving up permanently to middleweight
Age (39 years old)
Questions about durability after recent losses
Reduced explosiveness compared to his championship prime
May struggle with larger middleweights physically
Keys to Victory
Wrestle early and often
Force Du Plessis to defend takedowns repeatedly
Control clinch exchanges against the cage
Slow the pace and avoid wild striking battles
Test the grappling vulnerabilities exposed by Chimaev
Odds
Kamaru Usman +190
Dricus Du Plessis -230
