Dricus du Plessis is set to face Kamaru Usman in a blockbuster UFC middleweight clash on July 18.
The fight will be part of the UFC's debut event at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
## What's at stake for Dricus du Plessis?
Dricus du Plessis enters the contest with a record of 23-3 and remains one of the top contenders in the UFC middleweight division.
He has recorded stoppage victories in 20 of his 23 wins.
His impressive UFC run includes victories over Sean Strickland and former champions Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.
## Who is Kamaru Usman?
Kamaru Usman is a fighter widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history.
The 39-year-old Nigerian-born American holds a 21-4 record and dominated the 170-pound division for years before moving up to middleweight.
He has already shared the Octagon with several elite fighters, including Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Tyron Woodley.
## What comes next for Dricus du Plessis?
The fight represents a chance for Dricus du Plessis to remind the division why he became champion.
Usman sees it as an opportunity to announce himself as a serious threat in a new weight class.
The Oklahoma City event will also feature another important middleweight battle, with No. 11 contender Jared Cannonier facing No. 13 ranked Christian Leroy Duncan.
Dricus du Plessis is currently ranked No. 2 in the middleweight division, following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev in August.
He is determined to return to title contention with a win over Usman.
The UFC's return to Oklahoma City promises to deliver one of the most anticipated fights of the year.
Dricus du Plessis has been training hard for this fight, and his fans are eagerly awaiting the outcome.
The event is scheduled to take place on July 18, and fans can catch all the action live at the Paycom Center.