Kamaru Usman on UFC OKC loss: 'What were the judges watching?'

Kamaru Usman questioned the judging at UFC Oklahoma City after losing his middleweight debut to Dricus du Plessis via unanimous decision. While two judges scored the bout 49–46 in favour of du Plessis, Usman took particular issue with Sal D'Amato's 50–45 scorecard, viewing it as excessive given his strong showings in the third and final rounds.

The former welterweight champion, now 21–5, struggled early against the former middleweight titleholder (24–3), who landed significantly more strikes from the opening bell and nullified Usman's wrestling attacks. Usman found a second wind late in the fight but acknowledged the damage had been done. He also revealed that an eye injury sustained in the second round—from what appeared to be an accidental thumb—compromised his ability to judge distance for takedowns, though officials deemed the contact legal and the bout continued.

Usman's loss marks his second defeat at 185 pounds and comes after a welterweight victory over Joaquin Buckley that snapped a three-fight skid. In his post-fight comments, he indicated a willingness to drop back down to 170 pounds, suggesting a potential return to his natural weight class where he previously held the championship.