UFC Fight Night delivered an entertaining evening of action at the Paycom Center on July 18, highlighted by a statement victory from former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and a career-defining performance from surging contender Christian Leroy Duncan.
In the main event, Dricus Du Plessis reminded the MMA world why he remains one of the UFC’s most dangerous fighters, earning a unanimous decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman by scores of 50-45, 49-46, and 49-46.
Looking to rebound after losing the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev last summer, Du Plessis wasted little time asserting himself. The South African powerhouse used his trademark aggression, physicality, and relentless pressure to overwhelm Usman early in the contest.
Du Plessis repeatedly rocked Usman in the opening two rounds with heavy overhand strikes and devastating knees up the middle. The former welterweight king showed his trademark toughness by surviving several dangerous moments, but he struggled to consistently answer the offensive output coming his way.
Usman gradually settled into the fight and found moments of success as the bout progressed, but every time he appeared to gain momentum, Du Plessis responded with another damaging exchange. In the fourth round, “Stillknocks” once again hurt Usman and continued to dictate the pace through the final frame.
By the time the fight reached the scorecards, there was little doubt about the outcome. Du Plessis had delivered one of his most complete performances in recent years, securing a much-needed victory and re-establishing himself among the elite names in the middleweight division.
The win immediately reignites discussions about what comes next for the former champion. A potential trilogy fight with current middleweight champion Sean Strickland, whom Du Plessis has defeated twice, could be on the horizon. Other top contenders also remain in the mix, but Saturday’s performance firmly placed Du Plessis back in the title conversation.
The co-main event saw Christian Leroy Duncan continue his impressive ascent through the middleweight ranks with a unanimous decision victory over longtime contender Jared Cannonier.
The judges scored the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 in favor of the British standout, who extended his winning streak to five fights and secured the most significant victory of his UFC career.
From the opening bell, Duncan showcased his speed advantage and dynamic striking arsenal. Utilizing sharp kicks, accurate punches, and effective movement, he consistently beat Cannonier to the target throughout the first two rounds.
Cannonier, a former title challenger known for his durability and power, had moments where he steadied himself and landed meaningful shots. However, Duncan’s volume, variety, and precision proved to be the difference.
The Gloucester native maintained his composure throughout the contest, refusing to allow Cannonier to establish sustained momentum. His ability to control range and pick apart the veteran earned him a clear victory on the scorecards.
The win marks another major step forward for Duncan, who has transformed an inconsistent start to his UFC career into one of the division’s most impressive runs. With consecutive victories over ranked opposition and five straight wins overall, “CLD” has firmly established himself as a rising contender in the middleweight division.
With his birthday approaching, Duncan could not have asked for a better early present. More importantly, his performance likely positions him for another high-profile matchup against a top-ranked opponent as he continues his push toward championship contention.
Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis def. Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46)
Co-Main Event: Christian Leroy Duncan def. Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
As the UFC’s trip to Oklahoma City concluded, Du Plessis reclaimed momentum in his championship pursuit while Duncan announced himself as a legitimate threat in the middleweight division. Both fighters left the Paycom Center with career-enhancing victories and potentially even bigger opportunities awaiting them later this year.
