Dricus Du Plessis dominates Kamaru Usman at 'absolutely electric' UFC Fight Night 281

Dricus Du Plessis was coming off a loss, but the UFC fighter’s confidence was still soaring as he prepared for Saturday night’s bout against Kamaru Usman in Oklahoma City. 

Du Plessis lost his middleweight championship belt to Khamzat Chimaev last August. 

As the 32-year-old Du Plessis got ready against the 39-year-old Usman, there was no doubt to him about what the result would be. 

“There’s not a world that I would have lost tonight,” Du Plessis said. 

Du Plessis had a good feeling heading into Saturday's middleweight battle and proceeded to put on a show as he defeated Usman by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) at Paycom Center in the main event of UFC Fight Night 281. 

More: 'DDP sucks': Fighters react to Dricus Du Plessis beating Kamaru Usman at UFC OKC

In a fight that included lots of striking and little grappling, it seemed as if Du Plessis would finish Usman early following a dominant second round. 

But Usman — one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history — is nicknamed the Nigerian Nightmare for a reason. 

He gets after it no matter what and gave the fans a great fight to see as OKC hosted the UFC for the first time in nearly 10 years.

“That man fought like somebody on the way up, not on the way out,” Du Plessis said. “And I will respect that forever. Always put respect on that man’s name because he deserves it.”

Du Plessis headed into the later rounds knowing he was ahead. 

Du Plessis — the only South African who has won a UFC championship — thought it was possible he’d wear down Usman even further and easily cruise.

It didn’t play out that way, though.

“Round 4 and 5 came, and the Usman aura came out,” Du Plessis said. “That’s where I live is in those dark spaces, but when I came out in the fourth round, usually that’s where I see people — even with (Israel) Adesanya — that’s usually where I see people (wear down). They don’t want to give up, but subconsciously they already have. I can see it.” 

Du Plessis landed 139 strikes, while Usman had 99. 

Usman, a former Division II national champion wrestler at Nebraska-Kearney, is known as an excellent grappler, but this fight stayed away from the ground. 

And the combination of Du Plessis’ great striking and defense resulted in a frustrating night overall for Usman.   

“It’s tough,” Usman said. “It’s hard to be on this side of it. And I’m not used to being on this side, so it’s a tough one.” 

For Du Plessis, the victory itself wasn’t the only special thing about Saturday.

He got a lot of cheers and fan support from the 17,173 in attendance, which was a pleasant surprise. 

Paycom Center was packed, and Du Plessis fed off the energy. 

“The atmosphere was absolutely electric,” he said. 

Du Plessis had a great time in OKC leading up to the fight and had fun with it, wearing a black cowboy hat during media day and enjoying the change of scenery. 

“It was weird walking out to hearing cheers,” Du Plessis said. “It was good. It was a good change of pace. I was preparing just for the boos, so thank you, Oklahoma. It’s amazing. I will definitely come back to Oklahoma not just to fight, but (because) I enjoy the place.”

Nick Sardis covers high school sports for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Nick? He can be reached at nsardis@oklahoman.com or on Twitter at @nicksardis. Sign up for The Varsity Club newsletter to access more high school coverage. Support Nick's work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Dricus Du Plessis dominates Kamaru Usman at 'absolutely electric' UFC Fight Night 281