Dana White still believes in Kamaru Usman

Dana White is not treating Kamaru Usman’s loss in Oklahoma City as evidence that the former welterweight champion must retire. After watching Usman complete five rounds against Dricus du Plessis during a middleweight main event, the UFC chief emphasized the difficulty of facing a larger opponent and the resilience Usman showed. His conclusion was measured rather than prescriptive: Usman still appears capable of competing, but should heal first and then assess his future.

The debate emerged because the unanimous-decision defeat continued a difficult run for Usman, aged 39. Du Plessis took control early; a round-two knee badly hurt the former champion. Usman produced a late effort but could not recover enough ground on the scorecards. Some reactions shifted immediately toward retirement. White resisted that interpretation, pointing to the quality of the contest and the physical challenge Usman had accepted in his second middleweight appearance.

What White saw beyond the result

White highlighted three connected elements in his assessment. Usman had moved up to meet a former middleweight champion, absorbed significant offense and remained in the fight until the end. The UFC chief specifically praised his chin and rejected the notion that one defeat showed a fighter with nothing left. That is an endorsement of Usman’s current competitiveness, not a promise of another title opportunity or a direction for his next booking.

White also declined to map out the future at the press conference. His immediate prescription was rest, healing and time for Usman to consider his options. That distinction matters. Supporting a veteran’s right to continue does not establish which division best suits him, who he should face or when he should return. None of those choices was announced in Oklahoma City.

Usman’s recent record explains why the question will remain. He has one victory in his past five outings. That period includes two defeats to Leon Edwards, one against Khamzat Chimaev and the latest setback versus du Plessis. Its lone success was the June 2025 win over Joaquin Buckley. Those results show a sustained downturn from his championship period. They also include elite opposition and, in the latest case, a move into a heavier class. White’s view gives weight to both sides rather than erasing the record.

Usman has not selected a division

Usman kept his own post-fight comments open. Speaking after the bout, he left unresolved whether he would remain at middleweight or return to welterweight. He indicated that worthwhile opportunities could determine the answer. That position leaves several possibilities alive without confirming any of them. A report can accurately describe the flexibility; it cannot turn it into a booked fight.

White’s support may reduce pressure for an immediate retirement announcement, but the practical decision still belongs to Usman after recovery. His age, recent results, physical condition and appetite for another camp will all be discussed publicly. Of those, the confirmed comments address only part of the picture: White thinks the performance showed remaining ability, and Usman has not closed either divisional door.

• White emphasized that Usman had competed against a naturally larger former champion.
• He praised Usman’s durability and rejected the claim that the veteran is clearly finished.
• White advised recovery and reflection instead of announcing an immediate matchup.
• Usman left both welterweight and middleweight possibilities open after the loss.

Another difficult result now sits on Usman’s recent record, but White saw enough resistance and durability to oppose a forced ending. That does not settle the veteran’s future. It establishes only the UFC chief’s evaluation and Usman’s current openness. The next reliable answer must come through recovery, a divisional choice and an actual booking—not through speculation attached to one scorecard.