The preliminary card for UFC Oklahoma City featured several compelling matchups on Saturday, setting the stage for the main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. These preliminary bouts showcased rising prospects and newcomers looking to make their mark in the promotion.
Preliminary Card Highlights
In the light heavyweight division, Felipe Franco secured his first UFC victory by defeating Levi Rodrigues Jr. via TKO due to strikes at 1:40 of Round 2. Franco, returning to his natural weight class after a short-notice debut at heavyweight in March, demonstrated a dominant performance. After an initial exchange in the first round, Franco successfully took Rodrigues Jr. to the canvas, where he established control. In the second round, a right hand allowed Franco to again take his opponent down and unleash ground-and-pound to finish the fight.
Ezra Elliott made a successful UFC debut, overcoming Damien Anderson by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. Elliott utilized his grappling and physicality throughout the three rounds, controlling Anderson and neutralizing his offense. Despite missing weight prior to the fight, Elliott, who took the bout on Tuesday morning, managed to control Anderson on the ground in the third round, preventing any late comeback attempts. This win marks Elliott’s career record as 8-0.
Alden Coria extended his winning streak to three UFC victories by defeating Stewart Nicoll via unanimous decision, with judges scoring the bout 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. Coria, who was the biggest betting favorite on the card, maintained control during striking exchanges in the opening round and effectively scrambled to his feet when Nicoll attempted grappling. While Nicoll initiated some grappling, Coria consistently escaped and countered, landing significant strikes throughout the fight.
In his UFC debut, RJ Harris, known as “The Hammer,” defeated Alvin Hines by TKO due to strikes at 1:40 of Round 1. Harris displayed patience, waiting for openings to land powerful shots. A right hand backed up Hines, and as Hines moved forward to re-engage, Harris landed an uppercut that led to the finishing sequence. This victory maintains Harris’s undefeated record and adds to his finishing rate in his professional career.
Dione Barbosa quickly secured a victory over newcomer Anna Melisano by submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:04 of Round 1. Barbosa closed the distance rapidly, taking Melisano to the canvas and immediately attacking with various submissions from dominant positions. Despite Melisano’s defense, Barbosa was relentless, ultimately securing the tap in the final minute of the first round.
Upcoming Main Card
The main card, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, will feature the highly anticipated middleweight showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis aims to re-establish his position at the top of the middleweight division, while Usman continues his move to 185 pounds. This five-round main event carries significant implications for the division, with the winner potentially earning a future title shot.
The co-main event will see veteran contender Jared Cannonier face rising prospect Christian Leroy Duncan in another pivotal middleweight matchup. The card also includes appearances by Chase Hooper, Fatima Kline, and other emerging prospects. The preliminary card began at 5:00 p.m. ET and the main card is streaming live on Paramount+.
The event, UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman, is taking place on Saturday, July 18, from Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.
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Source: ufc.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.