Usman’s career trajectory questioned after defeat to Du Plessis in Oklahoma City

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman suffered a decisive defeat against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC Fight Night 281, held at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The bout, which saw Usman move up to the middleweight division, lasted the full 25 minutes, with the Nigerian-born fighter ultimately outmatched by the size and power of the South African challenger. The result marks the fourth loss in Usman’s last five fights, compounding concerns regarding his longevity in the sport.

Usman, who is 39 years old, presented a version of himself that analysts and observers noted was distinct from the prime competitor who challenged Khamzat Chimaev on short notice in October 2023. Despite taking significant strikes and remaining upright throughout the contest, Usman was unable to overcome the physical disparity. He demonstrated offensive capability in the final round, yet the deficit in weight class proved insurmountable. The move to add 15 pounds to his frame has placed additional strain on his knees, which have been described as notoriously compromised in previous assessments.

The defeat leaves Usman with a professional mixed martial arts record of 21-5, including 16-4 in the UFC. While his resume at 170 pounds remains Hall of Fame-worthy, his recent performance at 185 pounds against former champions Du Plessis and Chimaev suggests a decline in physical dominance. Usman has competed only three times in the past three years, a frequency that has contributed to questions about his current athletic peak and future trajectory.

Following the event, Usman engaged in post-fight discussions with UFC CEO Dana White regarding his next steps. Usman indicated an openness to competing at either weight class, provided the opportunities made logical sense, though he offered no definitive commitment to retirement or continued competition. White acknowledged Usman’s contributions and left the door open for future arrangements, reflecting a pragmatic approach to managing the career of a veteran fighter with diminishing returns.

The most logical next step for Usman appears to be a grudge match against Belal Muhammad, the current UFC welterweight champion. The two fighters had a physical altercation while filming a podcast several years ago, an incident that has never been publicly released but has persisted in public discourse. Muhammad, aged 38, has lost his last three fights since winning the title and is seeking to regain relevance. A bout between the two would carry high stakes, as both fighters face pressure to reverse their recent losing streaks and avoid immediate retirement calls.