Dricus Du Plessis vs rival contender, and more fights to make after UFC OKC

Finally, a normal fight card, which felt much needed after the Conor McGregor disaster of a week ago. UFC Fight Night OKC has come and gone, delivering stellar performances across the entire fight card.

>This was the first fight card back in Oklahoma since 2017. The UFC brought a high-level main event in their return to the Sooner State. A clash in the Middleweight division, former champion Dricus Du Plessis faced off against former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman.

>MORE: UFC Oklahoma City results: Dricus Du Plessis picks apart Kamaru Usman for big win

>Du Plessis was highly impressive in the unanimous decision win, showing off his takedown defense and striking ability. Throughout the 25 minutes, Du Plessis hurt Usman repeatedly on the feet.

>Whether it was the left high kick he’s so good at or combinations with his hands, it was clear that Usman couldn’t keep up with Du Plessis’s awkward timing.

>Now with a win, there are options for Du Plessis. Here’s what his next fight and the other fighters’ next fights on the card should be after UFC OKC.

>MORE: What’s next for Max Holloway after UFC 329? More fights to make

Dricus Du Plessis vs Brendan Allen (Middleweight)Oct 18, 2025; Vancouver, BC, CANADA; Brendan Allen (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Reinier De Ridder. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

Du Plessis certainly has a case for a title shot. Having two wins over the current champion, Sean Strickland, isn’t nothing.

>That being said, it all depends on the timing of another middleweight contender, Nassourdine Imavov, who is the most deserving next title challenger.

>MORE: UFC Power Rankings following UFC 329’s Conor McGregor disaster

>Unless the inactivity continues for Imavov, Du Plessis should have one more fight before a title shot. Brendan Allen is the perfect next opponent, as the two fighters aren’t shy about their dislike of each other.

>Brendan Allen even tweeted, “Ddp sucks end of story” and called out Du Plessis for a fight in October. Bad blood fights are always fun; this would be great for the main card of the October numbered card in Abu Dhabi.

Kamaru Usman vs Belal Muhammad (Welterweight)Jul 18, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Kamaru Usman (blue gloves) prior to the fight against Dricus Du Plessis. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Usman had his chance to chase greatness at a weight class above his. The fight with Du Plessis didn’t go his way, so he should step back down to 170 pounds.

>Belal Muhammad is on a three-fight skid, and like Usman, is getting older. This fight was never made when Usman was champion and Muhammad was climbing the rankings.

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>Make the fight now, and the winner gets one final chance at 170 to climb the rankings with a win.

Christian Leroy Duncan vs Caio Borralho (Middleweight)Christian Leroy Duncan, right, fights Jared Cannonier during UFC Fight Night 281 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, July 18, 2026.

It was a big night for the UFC Middleweight division overall in OKC. Christian Leroy Duncan cruised to a unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier.

>After a fun performance against a former title challenger, Leroy Duncan can climb the rankings now. The only fight that makes real sense is against Caio Borralho

>Borralho is coming off a loss against Nassourdine Imavov and needs a rebound opponent to get back towards title contention talks. There’s not a case where Borralho can fight up in the rankings.

>This would be a fun matchup that could primarily play out as a striking match.