Dricus Du Plessis has clarified his decision to call out Kamaru Usman, explaining his motivation for wanting that particular fight. Du Plessis's reasoning sheds light on his strategic thinking and what he believes a victory over Usman would mean for his career trajectory. This potential matchup has certainly generated buzz, and Du Plessis's comments add another layer to the narrative surrounding the welterweight division.
Sources (14)
We summarise the day's news in our own words. Full credit to the outlets below for the original reporting, click through to read their work.
- Dricus Du Plessis explains why he wanted to fight Kamaru Usman (MMA Weekly)
- UFC unveils new 'Meta Rankings' (MMA Weekly)
- Three former UFC champions among list of 27 fighters who have lost their ranking in Meta update (Bloody Elbow)
- Paddy Pimblett plummets as UFC release first rankings from Dana White and Mark Zuckerberg’s new system (Bloody Elbow)
- Paddy Pimblett breaks silence on fatal Justin Gaethje mistake that he won’t repeat ahead of UFC 329 return (Bloody Elbow)
- Why isn’t Benoit Saint Denis shooting on Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329? ‘He knows I’ll submit him’ (MMA Mania)
- ‘Very excited’... Why Paddy Pimblett thinks MMA’s emerging ‘superstar’ can make real name for himself at UFC 329 (Bloody Elbow)
- Dricus Du Plessis explains why he wanted to fight Kamaru Usman (Yahoo Sports)
- UFC unveils new 'Meta Rankings' (Yahoo Sports)
- Rob Wilkinson Talks PFL San Diego Fight: “He is an explosive little nugget.” (LowKick MMA)
- UFC lanserar ny ranking tillsammans med Meta, här är nya systemet (Frontkick Online)
- John Morgan - Media Rankings will still be "Official" rankings for near future. No ETA for full switch revealed. Here is updated Flyweight Rankings (r/MMA)
- ‘I’m Taking That Belt’, Asadula Imangazaliev Promises World Title Victory At The Inner Circle 20 (ONE Championship)
- Islam Makhachev gives his thoughts on Ian Machado Garry’s style ahead of UFC 330 (BJPENN.com)
Split from that day's roundup, so the sources listed are the full set behind the whole edition rather than this story alone.
This story ran in the June 25, 2026 edition of the daily show.