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UFC Returns to OKC After 9 Years: Big Fights Ahead
18 Jul
Summary
- UFC Fight Night 281 returns to Oklahoma City after a nine-year absence.
- The main event features Dricus Du Plessis against Kamaru Usman.
- Staff predictions show a split decision in the main event bout.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is set to make its highly anticipated return to Oklahoma City this Saturday, marking the first event in the city in nine years. UFC Fight Night 281 will be broadcast on Paramount+ from the Paycom Center.
The headline bout features a compelling middleweight matchup between No. 3 ranked Dricus Du Plessis and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, who is currently ranked No. 10 pound-for-pound. Staff predictions are split on this main event, with Dricus Du Plessis receiving 7 out of 11 picks.
Another significant fight on the card is in the strawweight division, where Fatima Kline, an honorable mention contender, faces the No. 10 ranked Tabatha Ricci. Kline is heavily favored in the betting odds and among the MMA Junkie staff picks.
The event also includes a lightweight bout between Chase Hooper and Mitch Ramirez, with Hooper being the strong favorite. In the middleweight division, Jared Cannonier will face Christian Leroy Duncan, who is also favored by the staff.
The preliminary card also features several intriguing matchups, including Tommy McMillen vs. Alberto Montes and other bouts across various weight classes, with MMA Junkie staff providing their selections for each fight.
