UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman - Fight Card and Event Details

UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman occurs Saturday, July 18, at the Paycom Center. The event streams on Paramount+, with prelims starting at 5 pm ET and the main card at 8 pm ET. Former middleweight champion Du Plessis faces Kamaru Usman in a bout centered on middleweight title contention.

Why is the Du Plessis vs. Usman fight significant?

Du Plessis (23-3) seeks to retain his Top 5 ranking and demonstrate the skills that previously made him champion. According to the UFC, Du Plessis is a finisher who has earned stoppages in 20 of his 23 wins, including victories over Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and two wins over Sean Strickland.

Kamaru Usman (21-4) is making his second appearance at middleweight. The former welterweight champion, who holds wins over Tyron Woodley, Jorge Masvidal, and Colby Covington, intends to use this 2026 campaign to pursue gold in a second weight class.

Did You Know? Du Plessis has maintained a high finishing rate, securing stoppages in 20 of his 23 career victories.

What other matchups are on the card?

Derek Cannonier (18-9) makes his first 2026 Octagon appearance against Duncan (14-2). Cannonier is a former middleweight title challenger with wins over Derek Brunson, Marvin Vettori, and Gregory Rodrigues. Duncan enters the bout as a Top 15 ranked striker following wins over Eryk Anders, Marco Tulio, and Roman Dolidze.

The undercard features several prospects and veterans. Kevin Holland (29-15 1NC) faces undefeated fighter Jacobe Smith (12-0) at welterweight. At featherweight, Tommy McMillen (10-0) fights Alberto Montes (12-1), while Austin Bashi (14-1) takes on Jose Delgado (11-2).

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that Usman’s move to 185 pounds represents a strategic attempt to redefine his legacy by challenging a new weight class, while Du Plessis faces the pressure of maintaining his elite ranking against a legendary welterweight.

Additional Bouts

Women’s Strawweight: Tabatha Ricci (12-4) vs. Fatima Kline (9-1)
Light Heavyweight: Levi Rodrigues Jr. (5-0 1NC) vs. Felipe Franco (10-2)
Bantamweight/Featherweight: Alden Coria (12-3 1NC) vs. Stewart Nicoll (8-3)
Heavyweight: Allen Frye Jr. (6-1) vs. Alvin Hines (7-1)
Lightweight: Chase Hooper (16-5-1) vs. Mitch Ramirez (8-3)
Women’s Flyweight: Veronica Hardy (10-5-1) vs. Dione Barbosa (9-4)

How can fans attend or watch the event?

Tickets are currently available via ticketmaster.com. The UFC has limited ticket purchases to eight per person.

BREAKING NEWS!! Kamaru Usman Is Fighting Dricus Du Plessis

All bouts will stream live on Paramount+. The preliminary card begins at 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT, and the main card follows at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT.

What could happen next for these fighters?

A victory for Du Plessis may solidify his position in the Top 5 and keep him in the title conversation. Conversely, a win for Usman could lead to a quick rise in the middleweight rankings and a possible move toward a title shot.

For Duncan, defeating a former title challenger like Cannonier may result in a significant jump in the rankings. Cannonier could potentially defend his ranking if he turns away the rising contender.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I watch UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman?
All bouts will stream live on Paramount+.

Where are tickets available and is there a limit?
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, with a limit of eight tickets per person.

What are the start times for the event?
Prelims air at 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT, and the main card airs at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT.

Do you think Usman can successfully claim gold in a second weight class?

UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman – Fight Card and Event Details