When is Dricus Du Plessis vs Kamaru Usman UFC Fight Night Middleweight Bout?
Former champions Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman are set to headline UFC Fight Night 281 in a crucial middleweight bout on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Don't miss the action as Du Plessis, 32, and Usman, 39, clash, with coverage starting at 5:00 PM ET for the prelims and 8:00 PM ET for the main card, exclusively on.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Oklahoma City for the first time in nearly a decade this Saturday, July 18, 2026, with a blockbuster middleweight showdown. Former UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis will take on former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Fight Night 281, held at the Paycom Center. Conor McGregor's MMA Return Ends in 69-Second Knee Injury Against Max Holloway at UFC 329.
The clash marks a significant moment for both fighters. Du Plessis, 32, a relentless finisher known for his knockout power and unwavering self-belief, will be looking to re-establish his claim in the division. Usman, 39, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights of all time, makes his second foray into the middleweight division, eyeing a swift path to championship gold in a second weight class.
Fight Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman (UFC 281) |
| Date | Saturday, July 18, 2026 / 19 July, Sunday (IST) |
| Venue | Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, USA |
| Weight Class | Middleweight |
Start Times
Catch all the action live, with prelims kicking off before the main card.
| Region | Time Zone | Start Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US East Coast | EDT | 5:00 PM Saturday | |
| US West Coast | PDT | 2:00 PM Saturday | |
| UK / Ireland | BST | 10:00 PM Saturday | |
| India | IST | 2:30 AM Sunday (19 July) |
Fighter Statistics and Form
This marks the first professional encounter between Du Plessis and Usman, promising an intriguing battle of styles. Dustin Poirier Arrested: Former UFC Star Taken Into Custody at Atlanta Airport on Public Intoxication Charge.
Dricus Du Plessis
Record: 23-3-0 (88% win rate)
Age: 32 (Born January 14, 1994)
Height: 6' 1" (185 cm)
Reach: 76"
KO Rate: 39%
Recent Form: Du Plessis became the UFC Middleweight Champion in January 2024 but lost the title in August 2025. He has demonstrated formidable pressure and knockout power in his career.
Kamaru Usman
Record: 21-4-0 (84% win rate)
Age: 39 (Born May 11, 1987)
Height: 6' 0" (183 cm)
Reach: 76"
KO Rate: 43%
Recent Form: Usman, a dominant former welterweight champion, is known for his suffocating wrestling and high fight IQ. He makes his second middleweight appearance in this bout, aiming to prove his capabilities in a new division.
The main event between Du Plessis and Usman is poised to deliver a compelling spectacle as both fighters look to stake their claim for future title contention in the competitive middleweight division.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 17, 2026 03:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).