MMA
Du Plessis vs Usman Predictions: UFC Fight Night Preview, Odds & Best Bets
The UFC heads to Oklahoma City this weekend for a fascinating middleweight main event as former champion Dricus du Plessis looks to begin his climb back towards the title against one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history, Kamaru Usman.
With both men chasing another shot at championship gold, the stakes could hardly be higher. For Du Plessis, victory keeps him firmly in the middleweight title picture, while Usman has the chance to announce himself as a genuine contender at 185lbs.
Du Plessis heads the betting
Dricus du Plessis is the 2/5 favourite to get back to winning ways, while Kamaru Usman can be backed at 19/10.
The South African has rapidly established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, combining relentless pressure, knockout power and an underrated ground game.
Although he enters the contest looking to bounce back after losing the middleweight title, Du Plessis remains one of the elite names at 185lbs and knows another statement victory could move him straight back into championship contention.
Usman, meanwhile, is attempting to prove he still belongs among the UFC’s elite. One of the greatest welterweight champions of all time, he has embraced the challenge of competing at middleweight and knows an upset victory would instantly propel him into the title conversation.
Expect a finish
The method-of-victory markets suggest Du Plessis has several routes to success, but power could prove decisive.
He is 2/1 to win by knockout, technical knockout or disqualification, while a points victory is available at 17/10. If he secures a submission, that can be backed at 15/2.
For Usman, a knockout is priced at 9/2, a decision victory is 24/5 and a submission success is the outsider at 22/1.
Those prices underline the expectation that Du Plessis will be the aggressor throughout, although Usman’s championship experience and elite wrestling credentials mean he cannot be overlooked if the fight becomes tactical.
What victory means
For Du Plessis, victory would represent the perfect response following the disappointment of losing the middleweight crown.
A convincing performance would strengthen his case for another crack at UFC gold and remind the division why he remains one of its most dangerous contenders.
For Usman, the opportunity is arguably even greater.
Success over a former middleweight champion would complete one of the most impressive career revivals in recent UFC history and potentially earn him a shot at becoming a two-division champion.
The prediction
Usman possesses the wrestling pedigree and championship mentality to make this competitive, but Du Plessis’ size, pressure and finishing ability make him a deserved favourite.
The South African has consistently found ways to overwhelm elite opposition, and over five rounds his physicality should begin to tell.
The odds point towards another impressive display, and it’s difficult to argue against them.
Take the 5/2 boost on Du Plessis to win by knockout at 5/2 here.
Prices accurate at time of writing – odds subject to change.
