Former champions to collide in UFC Oklahoma City main event

Two former UFC champions will clash in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 281 (UFC Oklahoma City) at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The event will air in its entirety on Paramount+.

Dricus Du Plessis, the former middleweight champion, returns to action following a nine-month absence. Du Plessis last competed in August 2023 when he lost his title in a one-sided unanimous decision to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Prior to that defeat, the South African had built an impressive 9-0 record inside the Octagon, recording notable wins against Sean Strickland (twice), Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till.

He will face Kamaru Usman, a former welterweight champion who held the division's crown from UFC 235 through August 2022. Usman achieved five consecutive title defenses before relinquishing his belt to Leon Edwards. The Nigerian striker last competed in June, when he outpointed Joaquin Buckley in the UFC on ESPN 69 headliner. Though speculation had swirled about Usman receiving the next title opportunity against Islam Makhachev, those plans failed to materialize.

Both fighters are attempting to reignite their championship aspirations. Du Plessis seeks to return to the elite middleweight conversation after his loss to Chimaev, while Usman aims to rebuild momentum in the welterweight division following his absence. The matchup represents a significant test for both veterans looking to reclaim their status at the championship level.