Kamaru Usman sets his sights on UFC super fight with Dricus Du Plessis
Kamaru Usman plans to fight Dricus Du Plessis in Africa on UFC’s first Africa card — South Africa vs Nigeria 🇿🇦🇳🇬
“After getting the welterweight belt, they [UFC] have asked and waited years for me to go up and get the middleweight belt. I will relinquish that if Dricus Du… pic.twitter.com/VpNFVEM6Az
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 18, 2025
Speaking to TMZ after his win over Buckley, Usman expressed interest in a future super fight with UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Du Plessis, of course, is from South Africa, which would turn their clash into an epic All-Africa showdown.
“After getting the belt, they asked and waited years for me to go up and get the middleweight belt, so why not?” Usman said (via MMA Mania). “I will relinquish that if Dricus Du Plessis is still the champion — all-African card. Africa vs. Africa, first card in Africa. UFC is close to getting that done. South Africa vs. Nigeria! it’s a rivalry that’s been built forever, sports rivalry. I think that’s another blockbuster, two mega events that you’re gonna remember forever.
“Manifestation is very powerful. If things start to fall in line, I think we’re gonna see a pretty interesting next 18 months.”
Of course, a lot needs to happen before Usman and Du Plessis can fight. Most notably, Du Plessis will need to get by undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago.
