UFC Fight Night Oklahoma City Delivers Competitive Prelims Before Du Plessis-Usman Showdown

The UFC Fight Night Oklahoma City preliminary card produced several decisive victories from emerging talents, setting the stage for a headlining bout between former champions Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Saturday. The undercard featured notable performances across multiple weight classes, with several fighters earning their first Octagon victories or extending their winning streaks.

Preliminary Card Results

Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani claimed a unanimous decision victory over SeokHyeon Ko in a welterweight showdown that saw the momentum shift through three competitive rounds. Ko controlled the opening exchanges with more powerful striking and effective defense against submission attempts, but Lebosnoyani mounted a comeback as Ko's output declined. The judges awarded all three rounds to Lebosnoyani, pushing his record to 2-0 inside the Octagon, 11-2 overall, and extending his winning streak to six consecutive fights.

Felipe Franco delivered a dominant light heavyweight performance in his return to his natural weight class, defeating Levi Rodrigues Jr. via second-round TKO at the 1:40 mark. After a tentative opening, Franco found success with his striking, using it to close distance and take his opponent to the canvas. In the second round, Franco landed a sharp right hand that forced Rodrigues Jr. backward, allowing him to establish dominant position and unleash ground-and-pound until the stoppage. Franco previously made his UFC debut on short notice at heavyweight in March, pushing prospect Mario Pinto to a decision.

Ezra Elliott navigated his shared UFC debut against Damien Anderson through all three rounds, using his grappling and physicality to control the contest. Elliott secured a unanimous decision with scores of 30-27 and two cards reading 29-28, marking a successful introduction to the Octagon for the newcomer.

Earlier preliminary action saw RJ Harris record a first-round TKO over Alvin Hines at 1:40, while Dione Barbosa submitted Anna Melisano via rear-naked choke in the opening round at 4:04. Alden Coria also claimed a unanimous decision victory against Stewart Nicoll with scores of 30-27 twice and 29-28.

Main Card Preview

The main event features du Plessis, who has won four of his last five fights, against Usman, who enters the bout on a three-fight losing streak. The co-main event pits Jared Cannonier against Christian Leroy Duncan in a middleweight contest. The preliminary card began at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT on Paramount+ in the United States.