Du Plessis routs Usman in battle of ex-UFC champs

Dricus Du Plessis just made a statement in the welterweight division, dominating former champ Kamaru Usman in a five-round unanimous decision. This win is huge for Du Plessis, not only because he's now beaten a legend like Usman, but also because it puts him squarely in the conversation for a title shot. The South African fighter has been on a tear lately, and this performance only adds to his momentum.

What's interesting here is that both Du Plessis and Usman are former champs, and this fight was a battle of who's still got it. For Usman, this loss is a setback, but it's not a devastating one - he's still one of the best welterweights in the world, and he'll likely bounce back. But for Du Plessis, this win is a chance to prove himself as a top contender. The welterweight division is stacked, with guys like Leon Edwards, Belal Muhammad, and Colby Covington all vying for the title.

So what's next? Du Plessis is likely going to get a shot at the winner of the upcoming Edwards-Muhammad fight, which could set up a fascinating matchup. Will Du Plessis get the nod, or will someone else jump ahead of him in the rankings? One thing's for sure - the welterweight division is about to get a whole lot more interesting. Keep an eye on Du Plessis and the rest of the contenders, as the next few months are going to be huge for the sport.

Originally reported by espn.com. SportsNewsletter adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.