Live Now! UFC Oklahoma City ‘Du Plessis vs. Usman’ play-by-play, results & round scoring
Dricus du Plessis secured a unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City, which took place at the Paycom Center. The judges scored the fight 50-45, and 49-46 twice, in favour of du Plessis. This marks du Plessis’s return to the win column after his previous fight.
Du Plessis expressed his desire to regain the belt during his post-fight interview. He had lost the 185-pound title to Khamzat Chimaev. Sean Strickland later dethroned Chimaev.
In the stand-up exchanges, du Plessis outlanded Usman significantly, with 136-92 in significant strikes. The initial rounds of the fight were particularly one-sided, with du Plessis landing impactful strikes, including his right hand and left high kick, which appeared to trouble Usman multiple times.
Main Card Highlights
The co-main event featured Christian Leroy Duncan defeating Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision, with scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28. Other main card results included Chase Hooper securing a submission victory over Mitch Ramirez via rear-naked choke in the first round at 2:15.
Fatima Kline also earned a unanimous decision win against Tabatha Ricci, with all three judges scoring the bout 30-27. Tommy McMillen defeated Alberto Montes via third-round TKO at 3:29.
Preliminary Bout Outcomes
In the preliminary fights, Jose Miguel Delgado won by unanimous decision against Austin Bashi (30-27, 29-28 twice). Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani also secured a unanimous decision victory over Seokhyeon Ko (29-28 three times).
Felipe Franco defeated Levi Rodrigues Jr. via second-round TKO at 1:40. Ezra Elliott won his bout against Damien Anderson by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 twice).
Alden Coria secured a unanimous decision win against Stewart Nicoll, with scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28. Coria’s performance included effective striking and a late takedown in the second round, which was scored 10-9 in his favour by both Ben Duffy and Tyler Treese.
During the fight, Coria landed several clean shots, and Nicoll attempted a takedown that was met with a brabo choke. Nicoll managed to escape the submission attempt. Coria then attempted to isolate Nicoll’s arm for a crucifix. Nicoll eventually pushed Coria to the fence, where Coria attempted a guillotine choke, which Nicoll rolled through.
Another notable preliminary fight saw RJ Harris defeat Alvin Hines via first-round TKO at 1:40. Harris delivered a significant uppercut that sent Hines to the mat, leading to the stoppage. After the fight, Harris mentioned his wife’s pregnancy and his focus on becoming a father.
Dione Barbosa also secured a submission victory, defeating Anna Melisano via rear-naked choke in the first round at 4:04. Melisano tapped out after Barbosa secured the choke, marking a successful debut for Barbosa.
Usman, despite the loss, expressed confidence in his ability to compete at the highest level, stating, “You can see I still got it.” He acknowledged that he would need to reassess his approach. This event marked Usman’s first appearance in the Octagon since his victory against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.
Du Plessis’s professional record now stands at 24-3 overall, with a 10-1 record in the UFC. Usman’s recent record shows him with 1-4 in his last five appearances. The event commenced on Saturday at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.
Source: sherdog.com
