Kamaru Usman Wants Dricus Du Plessis in Historic Africa vs. Africa Showdown originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Dricus Du Plessis is back in the gym, locked in and laser-focused as he preps for his headline war against the ever-dangerous Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 this August. The South African warrior isn’t just tuning up for another bout — he’s igniting waves across the division. Whispers are already circulating after a standout from UFC Atlanta made it clear: he’s watching, he’s waiting, and he wants next.
Kamaru Usman, the “Nigerian Nightmare,” reminded everyone why his name still carries weight. At UFC Atlanta, he turned back the clock with a commanding unanimous decision over Joaquin Buckley.
It wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. His first victory since 2022 and a much-needed rebound after a tough skid, including his last outing against Chimaev at UFC 294. Speaking to TMZ Sports in a video that Red Corner MMA quickly amplified, Usman dropped a bombshell:
‘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 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.’
‘If things start to fall in line, I think we’re gonna see a pretty interesting next 18 months.’
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
Dana White, never shy about global ambitions, told Sports Business Journal:
‘I’m looking to go into Africa for the first time. We have a champion from South Africa… I’m looking to go everywhere, everywhere on this planet we’re going to end up doing a live event.’
A Du Plessis vs. Usman matchup? That’s not just fireworks — that’s a global moment in the making. Two African titans, one historic card. The world will be watching.
Related: Ben Askren: New Update Reveals Emotional Details on UFC Veteran’s Ongoing Health Battle
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 19, 2025, where it first appeared.
