UFC Oklahoma City predictions

UFC Oklahoma City takes place Saturday, July 18 at the Paycom Center, with preliminary action beginning at 5 p.m. ET and the main card airing at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+. The event features several compelling matchups, headlined by a middleweight clash between former champions Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman—a fight that caught many observers by surprise when rumors emerged a few months ago. Du Plessis, recently dethroned as middleweight champion, faces a welterweight title contender in Usman, leaving questions about what a victory means for either fighter's title trajectory.

Du Plessis enters as the betting favorite despite Usman's grappling prowess, which proved problematic for du Plessis in his recent loss to Khamzat Chimaev. However, at nearly 40 years old, Usman may lack the overwhelming physicality that Chimaev brought. Du Plessis, in his prime with superior striking and size advantages, is positioned to control the fight if it stays on the feet.

The co-main event pits veteran Jared Cannonier against rising middleweight Christian Leroy Duncan. Though "Killa Gorilla" remains technically sharp and dangerous, his early 40s bring accumulating wear; Duncan's youth, speed, and explosive power present mounting challenges for the aging challenger. Elsewhere on the card, Chase Hooper—who missed weight for the first time in his career—faces Mitch Ramirez in a favorable matchup for the slick grappler, while strawweight prospect Fatima Kline seeks a fourth consecutive victory against Tabatha Ricci.