The UFC returned to Oklahoma City for an event at the Paycom Center, marking its first appearance in the city in nearly a decade. The fight card featured a middleweight bout between former champion Dricus Du Plessis and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the main event. The co-main event showcased a middleweight clash between Jared Cannonier and Christian Leroy Duncan.
The main event was scheduled for five rounds, while all other bouts on the card were set for three rounds. The preliminary fights were scheduled to begin at 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT, with the main card following at 8 pm ET / 5 pm PT. All fights were available for streaming on Paramount+.
Main Card Highlights
In the main event, Dricus Du Plessis weighed in at 185.5 pounds, while Kamaru Usman registered 186 pounds. Usman, a former UFC welterweight titleholder, was making another appearance in the middleweight division. Du Plessis, who previously competed for a title, entered the bout following a loss.
The co-main event featured Jared Cannonier, weighing 185 pounds, against Christian Leroy Duncan, who came in at 185.5 pounds. Duncan was noted for his recent performance, entering the fight with a four-fight win streak. Cannonier’s recent performances have shown a shift in his fighting style, with three of his past four fights ending in decisions against him.
Another notable fight on the main card was a lightweight bout between Chase Hooper and Mitch Ramirez. Hooper weighed 157.5 pounds, exceeding the lightweight limit by 1.5 pounds, and was set to forfeit 20 percent of his purse to Ramirez, who weighed 155.5 pounds. Hooper, at 26, has accumulated significant experience, and his striking has reportedly improved over time, complementing his submission and scrambling abilities.
The women’s strawweight division saw Tabatha Ricci (116 pounds) face Fatima Kline (115.5 pounds). Kline has been recognized for her striking and has developed groundwork skills through consistent training with an elite grappler. Ricci is also known as a proficient grappler, suggesting a fight that could involve significant ground exchanges.
Opening the main card was a featherweight matchup between Tommy McMillen (146 pounds) and Alberto Montes (146 pounds). McMillen is described as a fighter who can unleash a continuous offense, while Montes is noted for his composure and a lateral-moving stance that supports a strong kicking game.
Preliminary Bouts and Fighter Notes
The preliminary card featured several bouts across different weight classes. In the featherweight division, Austin Bashi (145 pounds) faced Jose Miguel Delgado (146 pounds). Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani (171 pounds) competed against SeokHyeon Ko (169 pounds) in a welterweight contest.
A light heavyweight bout saw Levi Rodrigues (206 pounds) take on Felipe Franco (205 pounds). The flyweight division included Alden Coria (126 pounds) against Stewart Nicoll (126 pounds). In the heavyweight category, RJ Harris (262.5 pounds) was matched with Alvin Hines (264 pounds).
The women’s flyweight division featured Anna Melisano (126 pounds) battling Dione Barbosa (125 pounds). Additionally, Ezra Elliott weighed in at 147.5 pounds for a featherweight bout against Damien Anderson (146 pounds), with Elliott exceeding the featherweight limit by 1.5 pounds.
The event marked a significant return for the UFC to Oklahoma City, bringing a lineup of fights to the Paycom Center.
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Source: ufc.com
