​Kamaru Usman has accomplished just about everything a fighter can at this point.The 39-year-old is a former UFC champion and considered one of the greatest welterweights of all time in the sport.But at this stage of his career, the motivation is different and he isn’t picky about weight classes.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I’m a moneyweight fighter now, so hey, if it’s up at welterweight, I’ll do it,” Usman said. “If it’s up at middleweight, I’ll do it. If it’s up at light heavyweight, I might do it.”Light heavyweight might be a slight stretch, but middleweight isn’t, and that’s what he’ll compete at when he faces a former champion in that class in Dricus du Plessis for UFC Fight Night 281 on Saturday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.Usman is 21-4 and seeking his second straight win after defeating Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision on June 14, 2025.This will be Usman’s second fight at middleweight. His first was a loss by majority decision against Khamzat Chimaev on Oct. 21, 2023.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore: UFC Fight Night 281 pre-event facts: Can Dricus Du Plessis stop takedowns?NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 14: Kamaru Usman speaks during a Q&A session prior to the the UFC 322 ceremonial weigh-in at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 14, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images)“It just fit,” Usman said during a press conference Wednesday inside the Skirvin Hilton Hotel. “It just made sense. I obviously wanted the Islam (Makhachev) fight. We talked about that. I thought that was what was going to be next, but unfortunately, things like this, the company kind of has a say. A big say in this.”Usman is a well-rounded fighter, but his roots are in wrestling.Born in Nigeria and raised in the Dallas area, Usman won a Division II national championship at Nebraska-Kearney in 2010 and was a three-time All-American.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementHe’s not sure what to expect Saturday when he faces the 32-year-old Du Plessis.“It might just be a striking match,” Usman said. “I might just piece him up. Or I might take him down. Or it might be something different. I respect his spirit. He fights hard. He’s big, he’s strong and he’s gonna come in there to fight. And whatever he gives me, that’s the spiritual dance.“Whatever he gives me, I’m gonna take and try to exploit, so it’s not just about the wrestling. It’s just about being a complete fighter, being able to go out there and do what I do best, which is dominate.”More: Conor McGregor has two longshot suggestions after UFC 329 loss1 / 25Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren looks on before Nikita Krylov fights Robert Whittaker in a light heavyweight bout during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)Du Plessis is just as confident as Usman.Adv