The UFC returns to Oklahoma City for the first time in almost a decade on Saturday night, bringing a compelling Fight Night card to the Paycom Center. Headlined by former middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis against former welterweight king Kamaru Usman, the event blends established contenders with rising prospects looking to make statements inside the Octagon.
DRICIS DU PLESSIS VS KAMARU USMAN
The headline bout carries major implications in the middleweight division. Former champion Dricus du Plessis returns looking to begin another run towards UFC gold after losing his title, while Kamaru Usman moves back up to 185 pounds hoping to prove he can compete with the elite outside of welterweight.
Du Plessis’ relentless pressure, awkward striking and durability have troubled almost everyone he’s faced, while Usman’s championship pedigree, elite wrestling and improving boxing make him one of the most dangerous competitors in UFC history.
For Du Plessis, victory would immediately place him back among the leading contenders. For Usman, another huge win could revive his hopes of becoming a two-weight world champion.
JARED CANNONIER VS CHRISTIAN LEROY DUNCAN
Former title challenger Jared Cannonier welcomes one of Britain’s brightest prospects in Christian Leroy Duncan.
Cannonier remains one of the division’s hardest hitters and toughest tests, while Duncan has steadily climbed the rankings with his explosive striking and athleticism. This represents the biggest opportunity of Duncan’s UFC career, and a victory over a veteran like Cannonier would instantly elevate him into genuine contender status.
CHASE HOOPER VS MITCH RAMIREZ
Chase Hooper continues his evolution from exciting youngster into legitimate lightweight contender.
Now far more rounded than when he entered the UFC, Hooper combines slick grappling with rapidly improving striking. Ramirez has shown plenty of toughness throughout his career, but Hooper will be looking to extend his momentum with another impressive win.
TABATHA RICCI VS FATIMA KLINE
One of the night’s most intriguing match-ups comes in the women’s strawweight division.
Veteran Tabatha Ricci meets undefeated prospect Fatima Kline in a fight that could produce the division’s next contender. Ricci’s experience and wrestling provide a stern examination, while Kline’s athleticism and finishing ability have made her one of the UFC’s fastest-rising talents.
TOMMY MCMILLEN VS ALBERTO MONTES
Tommy McMillen gets another opportunity to showcase his potential against Alberto Montes.
McMillen has built a reputation as an entertaining finisher on the regional scene and now looks to continue climbing the featherweight ladder. Montes will aim to spoil those plans with his aggressive style, making this one of the more unpredictable contests on the main card.
JOSE DELGADO VS AUSTIN BASHI
Two promising featherweights collide in what could quietly steal the show.
Both men possess well-rounded skill sets and understand that a standout performance could fast-track them towards tougher competition. Expect an energetic contest with plenty of scrambles and high-paced exchanges.
JEAN-PAUL LEBOSNOYANI VS SEOK HYEON KO
The welterweight division welcomes another fascinating international clash.
Lebosnoyani brings physicality and knockout power, while South Korea’s Seok Hyeon Ko arrives looking to make an immediate impression inside the Octagon. With both fighters eager to establish themselves, fireworks are a real possibility.
FELIPE FRANCO VS LEVI RODRIGUES JR
Heavyweights rarely disappoint when it comes to entertainment, and Felipe Franco against Levi Rodrigues Jr. should be no different.
With both possessing significant knockout power, this is unlikely to require the judges if either man lands clean.
ALDEN CORIA vs STEWART NICOLL
Flyweights Alden Coria and Stewart Nicoll meet in a bout featuring two fighters looking to build momentum.
Speed, movement and technical striking should define this contest, with both knowing that consistency is vital in one of the UFC’s deepest divisions.
ALVIN HINES vs RJ HARRIS
Another heavyweight contest sees Alvin Hines face RJ Harris.
Heavyweight fights always carry the threat of a sudden finish, and both men will be eager to produce the type of performance that earns future opportunities on bigger cards.
DIONE BARBOSA VS ANNA MELISANO Brazil’s Dione Barbosa takes on Anna Melisano in the opening bout of the evening.
Barbosa’s grappling has impressed throughout her UFC run, while Melisano will hope to make an early statement. Expect a fast-paced contest as both women attempt to climb the flyweight rankings.
Final Thoughts
Although the spotlight belongs to Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman, the Oklahoma City card offers quality from top to bottom. Christian Leroy Duncan faces a defining test against Jared Cannonier, Chase Hooper continues his rise at lightweight, and several emerging prospects have the chance to announce themselves on the UFC stage.
With title implications at the top and plenty of careers ready to take the next step underneath, UFC Oklahoma has all the ingredients to deliver an entertaining night of mixed martial arts.