Du Plessis dominates Usman in one-sided UFC Fight Night main event

Dricus Du Plessis dismantled Kamaru Usman over five rounds Saturday night at UFC Fight Night, sweeping the scorecards in a former champions clash that never approached competitive.

The South African middleweight controlled every phase of the fight, per ESPN's report, landing the cleaner strikes on the feet and dominating the grappling exchanges whenever Usman tried to close distance. All three judges scored it 50-45 for Du Plessis.

Du Plessis wrestling neutralizes Usman's gameplan

Usman, the longtime welterweight kingpin moving up in weight, had no answers for Du Plessis's size and scrambling ability. The Nigerian-American managed brief moments of offense in the pocket but was repeatedly taken down and controlled against the cage when he pressed forward.

Du Plessis landed the heavier ground strikes in rounds three and four, opening a cut above Usman's left eye and visibly wearing down the former champion's gas tank. By the fifth, Usman was circling defensively with little left to offer.

The win keeps Du Plessis in the middleweight title picture after losing his belt earlier this year. Usman, now on a four-fight skid across two weight classes, faces questions about his future at 38.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — Du Plessis routs Usman in ex-UFC champs clash