Kamaru Usman Suffers Another Defeat as Dricus Du Plessis Cruises to Dominant UFC Fight Night Victory
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman endured another disappointing night inside the Octagon after suffering a one-sided unanimous decision defeat to former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC Fight Night 281 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
Du Plessis produced a clinical performance to earn scorecards of 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46, controlling the contest over five rounds to improve his professional record to 24-3.
The South African dictated the pace from the opening bell, using his speed, movement and striking accuracy to frustrate Usman throughout the fight.
Du Plessis consistently landed sharp jabs, powerful right hands, step-in knees and damaging head kicks, outlanding the Nigerian-born former champion 136-92 in significant strikes.
Usman attempted to change the complexion of the fight by relying on his wrestling pedigree, but Du Plessis showcased impressive takedown defence, stuffing almost every attempt and forcing the contest to remain on the feet.
Although Usman mounted a spirited final-round rally and briefly hurt Du Plessis with a late flurry against the fence, it came too late to alter the outcome as the South African comfortably secured the unanimous decision.
The thrilling five-round contest earned both fighters the UFC’s Fight of the Night bonus, with each receiving a $100,000 award.
The victory marks an important return to winning ways for Du Plessis and strengthens his claim for another UFC middleweight title opportunity.
In his post-fight interview, he called for a championship bout against reigning middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
For Usman, the defeat raises fresh questions about his future in the middleweight division.
The loss drops his professional record to 21-5 and extends a difficult period for the former pound-for-pound king as he searches for a return to championship contention.
