Kamaru Usman’s UFC Path to Victory vs. Dricus du Plessis Revealed by Curtis Blaydes

Kamaru Usman faces Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC OKC on 18 July 2026, with the Nigerian welterweight-turned-middleweight aiming to reignite his title hopes. Blaydes, a top heavyweight contender, believes Usman’s wrestling could decide the fight.

What did Curtis Blaydes say about Usman’s best path?

Blaydes told Casino.us that Usman’s best route to victory is to lean on his wrestling against du Plessis. The former welterweight king has a win over middleweight champ Sean Strickland but lost a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev. Blaydes argued that Usman’s grappling could exploit du Plessis’s weaknesses.

Why does Blaydes think du Plessis struggles against wrestling?

Blaydes pointed to du Plessis’s struggles in the crucifix against Chimaev. “I saw him getting manhandled and he didn’t have an answer,” Blaydes said. “Every time he got put in that crucifix, he looked helpless. That tells you the quality of guys he trains with in grappling isn’t that good.”

What’s Blaydes’ prediction for the fight?

Blaydes believes du Plessis has a slight edge due to age and size but thinks Usman can steal a decision if he lands takedowns. “I think Usman has a shot if he can get his takedowns and doesn’t burn too much energy,” Blaydes said. He also doubts du Plessis can stop Usman’s wrestling.

Could this fight change the middleweight picture?

Blaydes argued the UFC matchmakers aren’t banking on this fight’s outcome for future matchups. “Usman wins, great. Dricus wins, great,” he said. “Either way, they’re both easy to promote and will put on a great fight.” The winner could step into the middleweight title race.