Kamaru Usman vs Dricus du Plessis: the strength of character of "The Nigerian Nightmare" in the main fight of the evening

On July 18, two former UFC champions faced off in Oklahoma City at UFC Fight Night 281. For Kamaru Usman, MelBet global ambassador and welterweight legend, this evening marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Moving up to middleweight, he fought a full five rounds against Dricus du Plessis, one of the division's most formidable fighters.

The judges unanimously awarded the victory to du Plessis. For Usman, however, this fight marked a significant milestone in his career and another opportunity to test himself against one of the best fighters in the division. He persevered through the toughest moments, continued to dictate the pace, and finished the fight on the offensive. His performance once again highlighted the qualities that have always set him apart: his mental strength, his professionalism, and his willingness to take on the most demanding challenges.

25 minutes against an experienced middleweight

Usman spent most of his career in the welterweight division, where he defended his UFC title five times. In Oklahoma City, "The Nigerian Nightmare" faced a former champion of the higher division.

The first round was marked by a cautious, long-range confrontation. Du Plessis relied on his jab and low kicks, while Usman looked to close the distance and impose his own rhythm. The most challenging moment came in the second round when du Plessis countered a takedown attempt by Usman with a flying knee, before following up with a series of powerful punches.

Usman withstood this onslaught. In the third round, he began landing more consistent punches, then delivered one of his best sequences in the fourth. In the final minutes, he picked up the pace, pushed his opponent back towards the cage, and landed several precise right hands. Before the final round, his corner gave him a clear message: he needed to finish him. Usman then surged forward and ended the fight with an offensive flurry that forced du Plessis back.

At the end of the 25 minutes, the judges issued the following scores: 50-45, 49-46 and 49-46. For the former UFC champion, this fight marked another important chapter in an exceptional career, highlighted by 21 victories.

Kamaru Usman does not back down from any challenge

After the fight, Usman accepted the judges' decision without offering any excuses: "I have no excuses. I'm not used to being on that side." These words once again illustrated the professionalism of "The Nigerian Nightmare," whose exemplary behavior has always been recognized, both in and out of the octagon.

It is this attitude that has made Kamaru Usman one of the most respected fighters of his generation. He is admired not only for his championship titles, but also for his ability to remain professional in all circumstances, to keep moving forward, and to overcome the most difficult challenges.

Kamaru Usman's career perfectly reflects the values that MelBet sharing with his ambassadors. In his case, these translate into leadership, a will to win, and the ability to constantly set new goals. His five title defenses, his many years spent among the best fighters in the world, and his champion's mentality have already secured him a place in UFC history.