UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman Set for July 18 at Paycom Center
UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman will take place on Saturday, July 18, at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, according to official announcements from the organization. The event features a high-stakes middleweight matchup between former champion Israel Adesanya and current titleholder Robert Whittaker, with the main card set to air at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Paramount+. Preliminary bouts will begin at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
Key Matchup: Du Plessis Aims to Reassert Dominance
Israel Adesanya (23-3), a former UFC middleweight champion from Pretoria, South Africa, returns to the Octagon to challenge Robert Whittaker (21-4), who has held the title since 2020. Adesanya, known for his striking prowess and 20 stoppage victories, seeks to reclaim his place in the Top 5, while Whittaker looks to defend his title and solidify his legacy. The fight has drawn significant attention, with both fighters having previously faced each other in 2020, when Whittaker secured a split-decision win.
Other Notable Bouts on the Card
The card includes several high-profile matchups, including a welterweight contest between fan favorite Kevin Holland (29-15-1) and undefeated prospect Jacobe Smith (12-0). Featherweight contenders Austin Bashi (14-1) and Jose Delgado (11-2) will also face off, while undefeated prospect Tommy McMillen (10-0) takes on Alberto Montes (12-1). In the women’s strawweight division, Tabatha Ricci (12-4) will challenge Fatima Kline (9-1), and Dana White’s Contender Series alum Levi Rodrigues Jr. (5-0-1) faces Felipe Franco (10-2).
Ticket Sales and Event Details
Tickets for the event are available at ticketmaster.com, with a limit of eight per person. The Paycom Center, which has hosted UFC events since 2018, will accommodate fans with a capacity of approximately 18,000. All bouts will stream live on Paramount+, with additional updates available on UFC.com.
Why This Event Matters
The middleweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC, with Adesanya and Whittaker representing contrasting styles. Adesanya’s return could set the stage for a potential title unification bout, while Whittaker’s performance will influence his path toward a potential rematch. The event also highlights the depth of talent in the 185-pound division, with fighters like Kelvin Gastelum and Derek Brunson still vying for title contention.
Additional Fight Highlights
Other notable fights include a heavyweight clash between Allen Frye Jr. (6-1) and Alvin Hines (7-1), and a lightweight showdown between Chase Hooper (16-5-1) and Mitch Ramirez (8-3). The women’s flyweight division will see Veronica Hardy (10-5-1) face Dione Barbosa (9-4), while undefeated prospect Levi Rodrigues Jr. aims to make an impact in his UFC debut.
How to Watch and Stay Updated
Fans can tune in to Paramount+ for live coverage, with pre-event analysis available on UFC’s official platforms. For the latest updates on fight changes or additions, visit UFC.com. Credentials for media coverage can be applied for through the UFC’s official website.
Worth a look