‘Money-Weight Fighter’ Comments From Kamaru Usman Confidently Brushed Aside by Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis questions Kamaru Usman's ambitions ahead of their upcoming UFC Oklahoma City clash.

‘Money-Weight Fighter’ Comments From Kamaru Usman Confidently Brushed Aside by Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman (via Instagram)

Kamaru Usman has spent 11 years in the UFC after debuting on The Ultimate Fighter 21 in 2015. The Nigerian star became one of the greatest welterweight champions before pursuing opportunities at middleweight. Usman now prepares for his second UFC middleweight appearance against Dricus Du Plessis after recent career comments drew the champion’s attention ahead of UFC Oklahoma City.

Usman captured the UFC welterweight title by defeating Tyron Woodley at UFC 235 before establishing one of the division’s greatest reigns. He successfully defended the belt five times against Colby Covington twice, Jorge Masvidal twice, and Gilbert Burns. Usman later moved to 185 pounds at UFC 294, accepting a short-notice fight against Khamzat Chimaev and losing a competitive majority decision.

Ahead of his fight with Du Plessis, Usman explained that he now considers himself a ‘money-weight’ fighter rather than limiting himself to one division. The former welterweight champion said he is comfortable competing at both 170 and 185 pounds while pursuing the biggest opportunities available. Those remarks prompted the South African superstar to weigh in before their UFC Oklahoma City clash.

You do you man, and you can say whatever you want to get the money. He is an incredible fighter and a future hall of famer, but to call yourself right now a money-weight fighter just means you’ve basically made peace with the fact that you will go wherever the money is and you don’t really have the goal of being the best in the world anymore.

Dricus Du Plessis via UFC Oklohama City interview

Usman enters the matchup after ending a lengthy winless stretch with a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta back in June 2025. He relied on his elite wrestling and top control to secure scorecards of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 against the rising welterweight contender.

Buckley also reflected on sharing the Octagon with Usman, admitting he experienced different levels of the former champion’s overall game. He pointed to Usman’s wrestling, control, and fight IQ as qualities that separated him from other opponents. Those observations further underscored the challenge awaiting DDP.

Du Plessis also weighed in on Usman’s decision to continue competing despite dealing with significant knee injuries throughout his career. The South African said he understands why the former welterweight champion remains active, pointing to Usman’s competitive mindset and desire to keep testing himself.

Usman has remained vocal about winning UFC titles in two divisions before ending his career. Although he previously targeted retirement in 2026, the Nigerian star revealed that capturing the middleweight belt remains his ultimate goal. A victory over Du Plessis would move him closer to that achievement.

Dricus Du Plessis remains one of the UFC’s most technical fighters entering the matchup. Despite the seven-year age gap, Kamaru Usman remains a dangerous contender thanks to his championship pedigree and elite wrestling. Their clash could undoubtedly have major middleweight title implications.

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Dricus Du Plessis has become one of the UFC’s top middleweights after a rapid rise through the division. He defeated Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 before capturing the title against Sean Strickland at UFC 297. ‘Stillknocks’ later retained the belt against Strickland at UFC 312 in a championship rematch.

Du Plessis also defended his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, securing a fourth-round submission victory. However, he lost the middleweight belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The Chechen superstar dominated the fight, earning a unanimous decision victory.

Kamaru Usman talks about becoming a double champion
Kamaru Usman talks about becoming a double champion (via X)

Kamaru Usman built his career around elite wrestling, becoming one of the UFC’s most dominant grapplers. He was an NCAA Division II national champion at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Usman’s wrestling success later became a key part of his UFC welterweight championship reign.

DDP has vowed to silence doubts about his skills by proving his wrestling against Usman at UFC Oklahoma City. The former champion wants to showcase his grappling improvements against one of MMA’s elite wrestlers. However, Chael Sonnen recently claimed Usman is one of the toughest matchups for Du Plessis.

I think it’s a terrible matchup for Dricus Du Plessis. Look, Dricus didn’t just lose his last fight; he lost his last five rounds. All, by the way, to a superior wrestler. Kamaru Usman is a national champion wrestler. Everybody forgets that. He was an Olympic prospect back in 2012. Kamaru Usman definitely can win this fight.

Chael Sonnen via UFC on Paramount

The matchup between Du Plessis and Usman presents a major test for both fighters at UFC Oklahoma City. Du Plessis will look to prove his wrestling has evolved, while Kamaru Usman aims to rely on his championship-level grappling and experience. The clash could determine the next chapter of their middleweight careers.

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