Two former UFC champions are set to face off in a highly anticipated middleweight bout at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City on July 18. Kamaru Usman returns to the middleweight division, this time with ample preparation, taking on the formidable Dricus du Plessis.

Dricus du Plessis (23-3) is coming off an 11-month hiatus following a challenging fight against Khamzat Chimaev, where he faced significant adversity, yielding 12 takedowns and 22 minutes of control time. Du Plessis asserts that Usman will be disappointed if he tries to replicate Chimaev's strategy. He stated, "Kamaru Usman is used to being the bully in a fight... But now, he's dealing with someone like me who, from a strength scale, there isn't even going to be a comparison."

On the other hand, Kamaru Usman (21-4) aims to secure a title shot with a win. He has previously defeated current middleweight champion Sean Strickland and returns to the division after a three-year gap since his last middleweight fight, where he faced a short-notice loss to Chimaev. Usman reflects on his past experience, saying, "I should've really given myself the time."

In the co-main event, Christian Leroy Duncan is making waves against former title challenger Jared Cannonier. Duncan has shown improvement after early inconsistencies in the UFC, while Cannonier, despite being past his prime, remains a dangerous competitor.

Fight Card Highlights:

• Dricus du Plessis -230 vs. Kamaru Usman +190 (Middleweight)
• Christian Leroy Duncan -360 vs. Jared Cannonier +285 (Middleweight)
• Chase Hooper -380 vs. Mitch Ramirez +300 (Lightweight)
• Fatima Kline -485 vs. Tabatha Ricci +370 (Women's Strawweight)
• Tommy McMillen -166 vs. Alberto Montes +140 (Featherweight)

Viewing Information:

• Date: Saturday, July 18
• Start Time: 8 p.m. ET (main card)
• Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City
• TV Channel: Paramount+ (subscription starts at $8.99/month)

As the fighters prepare for this pivotal matchup, fans eagerly await the outcome that could reshape the middleweight landscape.