The MMA world never sleeps, and this week it’s absolutely on fire. From Kamaru Usman shockingly calling out middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, to a heated online war between Sean O’Malley and Cody Garbrandt, plus a surprise health and training update from Ben Askren — the drama inside and outside the Octagon is reaching new heights.

Let’s break it all down.

 Kamaru Usman Calls Out Dricus Du Plessis!?

Former welterweight king Kamaru Usman made headlines this week by publicly calling out UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis, hinting at a possible move up in weight — and he didn’t mince words:

“Dricus? He’s a tough guy, sure… but I see holes. If that fight’s on the table, I’ll take it tomorrow.”

This statement comes after weeks of Usman teasing a move to 185 following his close fight with Khamzat Chimaev. With Du Plessis currently without a confirmed opponent and the middleweight division in a bit of flux, Usman’s challenge could shake up the title picture in a major way.

“I’ve fought the best of the best at 170. If Dricus wants to test himself against greatness, I’m right here,” Usman added.

Du Plessis has yet to respond publicly, but you can bet the UFC brass is paying attention.

 Sean O’Malley vs. Cody Garbrandt: It’s Getting Personal

What started as playful jabs has now turned into full-blown beef between Bantamweight Champion Sean O’Malley and former titleholder Cody Garbrandt.

It began with Garbrandt claiming “O’Malley has been protected” and “doesn’t want real smoke,” during an interview. O’Malley fired back on

“This dude gets knocked out once a year and still talks like it’s 2016. I’ll retire him in one round.”

The trash talk escalated fast, with both camps exchanging insults and fans calling for what would be a fan-favorite grudge match.

While Garbrandt isn’t next in line for the title, a personal rivalry like this could make it main event-worthy, especially if the UFC needs a big-name co-headliner on a PPV card.

 Ben Askren Update: He’s Back in the Gym?!

In a surprise twist, former ONE and Bellator champ Ben Askren posted a video of himself back hitting pads and rolling on the mats — nearly three years after retiring from MMA following his loss to Jake Paul in boxing.

Though Askren clarified that he’s “not making a comeback,” he did say this:

“I feel good. Training again, not for a fight — just for life. But if something interesting came along… who knows?”

Fans are now speculating whether he might return in a grappling event, or even coach again on something like The Ultimate Fighter. Either way, it’s clear “Funky” Ben still has that competitive fire.

 Final Thoughts

From Kamaru Usman eyeing a second title, to Sean O’Malley and Cody Garbrandt turning social media into a warzone, and Ben Askren dusting off the mats — the MMA landscape is alive with energy and unpredictability.

Whether you’re here for the fights, the feuds, or the comebacks — there’s something brewing in every corner of the fight game.

And one thing’s for sure: It’s going to be a wild summer.