UFC Oklahoma City prelims conclude ahead of main event

By Emily Turner — 18 July 2026 — 3 min read

Prelim card results

The preliminary card for UFC Oklahoma City concluded with several notable outcomes before the main event featuring Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. The prelims showcased a mix of rising prospects and newcomers, with several fighters securing victories.

In a welterweight contest, Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani defeated SeokHyeon Ko by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 29-28. The fight was described as an entertaining, back-and-forth battle over three rounds. Ko was effective early on, landing powerful strikes, but Lebosnoyani managed to work his way back into the fight as Ko’s output decreased. This win extended Lebosnoyani’s winning streak to six, bringing his overall record to 11-2 and his Octagon record to 2-0.

Felipe Franco secured his first UFC victory in the light heavyweight division, defeating Levi Rodrigues Jr. by 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 utilized his striking to close distance, achieve takedowns, and work from mount, ultimately unleashing ground-and-pound to finish the fight in the second round.

Ezra Elliott made a successful UFC debut, defeating Damien Anderson by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28. Elliott, who missed weight on Friday, relied on his grappling and physicality throughout the three rounds. He neutralized Anderson’s offense and began to deliver his own strikes in the second round. In the third, Elliott maintained control by taking Anderson to the canvas, preventing any late comeback attempts. Elliott’s career record now stands at 8-0, and he set a UFC record for most takedowns in a featherweight fight.

Alden Coria earned his third consecutive UFC victory by defeating Stewart Nicoll via unanimous decision, with judges scoring it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. Coria, who was the biggest betting favorite on the card, controlled the striking exchanges in the first round. Despite Nicoll’s attempts to grapple, Coria consistently scrambled to his feet and landed significant strikes, extending his winning streak to four and his overall unbeaten streak to seven.

In another debut, RJ Harris made a strong impression by defeating Alvin Hines via TKO due to strikes at 1:40 of Round 1. Harris, known as “The Hammer,” was patient in his first Octagon appearance, 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 dropped him, initiating the finishing sequence.

Main event preview

The main event features a middleweight showdown between former UFC champions Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. Du Plessis is looking to reestablish himself at the top of the middleweight division after losing his title, while Usman, a former welterweight champion, continues his move to the 185-pound category. Both fighters are seeking another championship opportunity, and the five-round main event carries significant implications for the division, with the winner potentially earning a future title shot.

Du Plessis is known for his relentless pressure, power, and unpredictable striking, while Usman brings elite wrestling, championship experience, and a tactical approach to the cage. The co-main event will feature veteran contender Jared Cannonier against rising prospect Christian Leroy Duncan in another pivotal middleweight matchup. The card also includes fighters such as Chase Hooper and Fatima Kline.

The preliminary card for UFC Oklahoma City began on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. ET, with the main card scheduled to start at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Source: ufc.com