Overview
- Friday’s ceremonial weigh‑ins confirmed Dricus Du Plessis (185.5 lbs) and Kamaru Usman (186 lbs) made weight for the July 18 main event at Paycom Center and the card will stream on Paramount+.
- Chase Hooper weighed 157.5 lbs, 1.5 pounds over the lightweight limit, and the UFC confirmed his fight with Mitch Ramirez will proceed at catchweight with Hooper forfeiting 20% of his purse.
- Featherweight newcomer Ezra Elliott also missed by 1.5 pounds at 147.5 lbs and the UFC had not announced by publication whether his bout with Damien Anderson will go ahead or what penalties, if any, will apply.
- A win over Usman would give Du Plessis a clear route back toward the middleweight title picture and Usman’s move back to 185 lbs frames the fight as a key career test for both men, with early betting markets favoring Du Plessis.
- Two scale misses on a 12‑fight card are notable because they directly cut fighter pay, force catchweight arrangements and can prompt last‑minute reshuffles, so fans should watch for final confirmations before the prelims start.