Kamaru Usman Reveals Torn Pec, Questions Retirement - MMA Mania

What the report says

MMA Mania reported that former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman said he entered his UFC Oklahoma City main event against Dricus du Plessis with a torn pectoral muscle, adding new context to his lopsided unanimous decision loss. The bout took place Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, where du Plessis, a former middleweight champion, largely controlled the fight despite a stronger fifth round from Usman.

According to the report, the injury disclosure came on Usman’s Pound 4 Pound podcast, where co-host Henry Cejudo said Usman fought while compromised and argued that the torn pec affected his ability to wrestle. Usman did not present the injury as an excuse, saying fighters take risks when they compete and that sometimes those risks remain unseen. MMA Mania noted that Usman had been expected to rely on takedowns, but du Plessis was able to defend attempts, hurt him standing and limit his offense for much of the contest.

The loss has also renewed questions about Usman’s future in the UFC. MMA Mania reported that Usman was noncommittal after the fight and later said he needs to speak with his coaches and team to evaluate where he is in his career and whether continuing is worthwhile. The outlet noted that Usman turned 39 in 2026 and has now lost four of his past five fights, making retirement speculation more prominent.

The development matters because Usman remains one of the most accomplished welterweights of his era, but his recent results, age and injury concerns could affect whether he pursues another major opportunity or ends his career.