Kamaru Usman’s Motivation to Continue Fighting With Damaged Knees Explained by Opponent Dricus Du Plessis

Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is still competing at a high-level as he prepares to take on Dricus Du Plessis.

Kamaru Usman’s Motivation to Continue Fighting With Damaged Knees Explained by Opponent Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis vows to retire Kamaru Usman (via Instagram)

Kamaru Usman remains one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history and is firmly part of the division’s GOAT discussions. His dominant championship reign from 2019 to 2022 stands as the second-best, highlighted by several successful title defenses. Now 39, the Nigerian prepares to face former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in his second middleweight appearance at UFC Oklahoma City.

Usman captured the UFC welterweight title in 2019 by defeating Tyron Woodley and went on to establish one of the division’s most dominant championship reigns. He successfully defended the belt five times before losing it to Leon Edwards via a fifth-round head kick at UFC 278 in 2022. ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ later failed to reclaim the title in their trilogy bout at UFC 286, ending his championship run.

Despite persistent knee issues, Usman has talked about becoming a double champion. As such, ‘DDP’ believes that the ex-welterweight champion is eyeing the middleweight title before calling it quits.

It always depends on the beating. So, for him, he’s done it all. For him right now, he is chasing maybe the double champ status. I think that’s the only thing he can chase. Listen, the man has had a legendary career. He is on the status of the best welterweight ever. He is in that conversation for sure. It’s between him and GSP. It’s an honor to fight him, but middleweight is a different game.

Dricus Du Plessis via Kairouz Brothers

Usman’s knee problems have remained a major talking point throughout the later stages of his UFC career. Joe Rogan even previously highlighted the severity of those issues while discussing the former welterweight champion’s remarkable ability to keep competing at the highest level despite his condition.

The past few years have been difficult for Usman since losing the title to Leon Edwards at UFC 278. He then lost the rematch before dropping a decision to Khamzat Chimaev in his middleweight debut at UFC 294. However, Usman bounced back with a unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley in June 2025.

Although retirement speculation has followed Usman in recent years, the former champion previously outlined his ideal timeline for leaving the sport. He revealed plans to retire during 2026 after pursuing both the welterweight and middleweight titles, making one final push before hanging up his gloves.

Du Plessis is also coming off a major setback after losing the UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Chimaev controlled the five-round contest and earned a unanimous decision, ending Du Plessis’ reign. The South African now returns for his first appearance since that championship defeat.

Dricus Du Plessis has said he wants to make an example of Usman and silence the doubts surrounding him after his UFC 319 title loss. For Kamaru Usman, the fight carries major significance, as a victory would keep alive his pursuit of becoming a two-division UFC champion before his planned retirement.

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Kamaru Usman reveals why he did not fight for the welterweight title against Islam Makhachev

Kamaru Usman enjoyed one of the longest welterweight title reigns in UFC history, holding the championship for 1,267 days between March 2019 and August 2022. He last competed for UFC gold against Leon Edwards at UFC 286 in March 2023, more than three years ago.

However, talks of another championship opportunity for Usman increased after Islam Makhachev won the welterweight title at UFC 322. Makhachev expressed interest in facing the former champion, recognizing Usman’s legacy and his dominant run as one of the division’s greatest fighters.

Kamaru Usman talks about his ambitious 2026 plans
Kamaru Usman talks about his ambitious 2026 plans (via X)

However, several contenders were also in the mix for Makhachev’s first welterweight title defense after he captured the championship. The champion is now scheduled to face Ian Garry at UFC 330 for his inaugural title defense. Meanwhile, Usman has since shared his thoughts on the missed opportunity.

I thought the Islam fight was next, but unfortunately the company has a big say and the company thought this was a big opportunity instead.

Kamaru Usman via UFC Oklohama City press conference

As of now, Kamaru Usman appears unlikely to return to the welterweight division as he prepares for his middleweight clash against Dricus Du Plessis. The Nigerian superstar’s focus now remains on pursuing a two-division title achievement and further strengthening his legacy before the final chapter of his career.

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