Dricus du Plessis is finally stepping back into the Octagon this Saturday after an 11-month layoff, and the former middleweight champ isn't holding back: he's ready to show "everything that went wrong is fixed" from his last brutal fight. This isn't just some casual return, either. DDP is headlining a UFC Fight Night against Kamaru Usman, and he knows everyone, especially himself, is watching.
What Went Down Last August and Why DDP Says It's Done
You remember Dricus's last fight, right? It was against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, and man, it was rough. DDP got taken down a staggering 12 times and spent a brutal 22 of 25 minutes controlled on his back. He absorbed an insane 529 ground strikes. Nobody wants to remember a title loss like that, especially when you're the champ. But Dricus is straight up about it, telling CBS Sports he fell short because "it was a style issue. It was a gameplan problem." He never quit on himself in there, though, which tells you everything you need to know about his heart. Now, DDP, with a solid 23-3 record, is hyped. "If you think the fans are excited, you have no idea how excited I am to get back in there," he said. He's coming to prove he's the best fighter in the world, and he knows he's gotta be ready for anything, even if an opponent just wants to lie on top of him for 25 minutes.The Stakes Are Sky-High for This Weekend's Showdown
This isn't just about redemption for DDP. It's about getting back into the title picture, big time. Kamaru Usman, his opponent this Saturday, isn't some walk in the park. Usman, a former welterweight champion and an NCAA Division II national wrestling champion, comes in at 21-4. You know his wrestling pedigree is legit. What makes this fight even crazier is the recent shake-up in the middleweight division. Sean Strickland, who DDP took the title from in 2024 by split decision and beat twice, just upset Chimaev in May to start his second title reign. The winner of du Plessis-Usman is going to be right there at the front of the line for Strickland's next title defense, alongside Nassourdine Imavov and a "rematch hungry" Chimaev. Plus, Usman already holds a 2017 victory over Strickland, which adds another layer to this whole mess! Dricus knows it's not just about winning; it's about the "performance." This Saturday's main event in Oklahoma City isn't just a fight; it's Dricus du Plessis's chance to prove he's still the best in the world and put his name firmly back in the title picture. You just know "Stillknocks" is gonna bring it.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.