Dricus du Plessis’s upcoming middleweight fight against Kamaru Usman in Oklahoma City is set for July 18, but the battle to finalize the contract was anything but simple. Du Plessis accuses Usman of initially refusing to sign, fueling tension ahead of their high-stakes showdown.
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Dricus du Plessis accuses Kamaru Usman of avoiding UFC Oklahoma City fight: ‘He didn’t want to sign the contract’
Photo by Mma Fighting
Key Takeaways:
- Du Plessis accuses Usman of dragging out contract negotiations
- Official confirmation of the fight came only two weeks before the event
- The main event is scheduled for July 18 in Oklahoma City
- Both fighters bring high-profile credentials to the middleweight division
- The fight highlights a rising star, du Plessis, against a former champion
A Sudden Confirmation
The showdown between Dricus du Plessis and former UFC champion Kamaru Usman took shape only recently, despite the event looming just two weeks away. According to du Plessis, the contract was delayed, leaving fans guessing whether this main event bout would happen at all.
Background of the Fighters
Dricus du Plessis, a rising South African star, enters the Oklahoma City card looking to prove his mettle against a proven, former champion. Kamaru Usman, widely recognized for his previous success in the Octagon, represents a formidable challenge for any fighter—particularly when stepping up to face him in a main event.
Negotiation Woes
Du Plessis openly claims that getting Usman to agree to the bout was not straightforward. “He didn’t want to sign the contract,” du Plessis alleges, pointing to tense back-and-forth discussions behind the scenes. While specific details remain private, the timing suggests that the final signature came down to the wire.
What to Expect on July 18
With Oklahoma City as the host, UFC fans are looking at a middleweight division highlight. The match offers du Plessis the chance to defeat another former champion. For Usman, it could be a new opportunity to showcase his enduring skill set in a division that continues to attract major talent.
From Tension to Triumph
As the dust settles on contract negotiations, both athletes will now focus on training for the imminent showdown. With the clock ticking toward July 18, the spotlight is on whether du Plessis’s accusations of reluctance will factor into the fight’s aura—or if it will simply fuel an even more intense contest in the Octagon.
