At 39 years old, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman (21-4) prepares for a pivotal showdown at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City against former champion Dricus du Plessis (23-3). This bout marks Usman's return after a 13-month layoff, and he is motivated by the criticisms and memes circulating about his performance and age.

Usman, a native of Nigeria, acknowledges the doubts and uses them as fuel for his comeback. He stated, "I still have that chip on my shoulder," emphasizing his need to prove himself despite past accolades, including five welterweight title defenses.

After a challenging three-fight losing streak, Usman rebounded with a decisive victory over rising contender Joaquin Buckley in June 2025. This victory reignited his aspirations, leading him to pursue a title run in the middleweight division. Usman reflected on his experience, noting that fighting at 185 pounds might offer him an advantage due to less weight cutting.

The stakes are high for both fighters, as the winner could potentially earn a shot at the middleweight title. Usman is aware of the competitive landscape, mentioning that both he and du Plessis have previously defeated Sean Strickland, the current champion. However, he also acknowledged the rising talent in the division, specifically Nassourdine Imavov.

Du Plessis returns to the Octagon after a tough title loss to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2023, where he faced significant challenges. Usman is cautious about the matchup, stating that while he believes he holds technical advantages, the fighting spirit of his opponent is a crucial factor.

Ultimately, Usman's ambition to join the exclusive club of two-division champions drives him as he nears 40. "I like that double champ club... I would like to join that," he declared, underlining his desire to cement his legacy among the sport's greats.