Dricus du Plessis – UFC Record, Stats and Career Profile
Dricus du Plessis, known as “Stillknocks,” made history in January 2024 when he captured the UFC middleweight title at UFC 297, becoming the first South African to ever hold a UFC championship. The 32-year-old from Welkom, Orange Free State, brings an undefeated UFC streak and a reputation for explosive finishes into every appearance inside the octagon.
With a professional record of 24-2 and a fighting style honed through decades of training across multiple disciplines, du Plessis has emerged as one of the most compelling athletes in mixed martial arts. His journey from South African regional circuits to UFC title contention showcases both his resilience and his remarkable skill development over the years.
The South African champion has built a reputation as a well-rounded competitor capable of finishing fights in multiple ways, earning both Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses throughout his UFC career. His recent loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 ended his reign as champion, but his impact on the middleweight division remains significant.
Who is Dricus du Plessis?
First South African titleholder in UFC history
9 KOs, 11 submissions across career
Born January 14, 1994 in Welkom, South Africa
Submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
Early Life and Background
Dricus du Plessis was born on January 14, 1994, in Welkom, Orange Free State, South Africa. Growing up Afrikaner, he developed a strong connection to his South African heritage that would later become central to his identity as a professional fighter. His upbringing, marked by the challenges of a tough environment, shaped the relentless determination that would define his fighting career.
From an early age, du Plessis showed exceptional athleticism and a drive to succeed. He began training in judo at just 5 years old, adding wrestling at age 12 and kickboxing at age 14. This early diversification in martial arts would later become a cornerstone of his well-rounded fighting style.
What is Dricus du Plessis Age and Height?
As of 2025, Dricus du Plessis is 32 years old, having been born on January 14, 1994. He stands at approximately 6 feet tall, which translates to 183 centimeters. In the UFC’s middleweight division, he competes at the standard limit of 185 pounds, equivalent to 84 kilograms.
His physical attributes complement his aggressive fighting style well, allowing him to match up competitively against other top middleweights in the world. His combination of size, strength, and technical skill has proven effective throughout his professional career.
Training Foundation
Du Plessis’s technical foundation spans multiple martial arts disciplines. He earned a WAKO kickboxing world title at age 17, demonstrating his striking prowess from a young age. This early success in kickboxing laid the groundwork for the powerful striking that would later become a hallmark of his fighting style.
His background in judo and wrestling provides him with elite grappling capabilities that balance his striking offense. This combination of skills makes him a dangerous opponent regardless of where a fight takes place, whether on the feet or on the ground.
What is Dricus du Plessis UFC Record and Stats?
Dricus du Plessis currently holds a professional MMA record of 24-2, with 9 victories coming by knockout and 11 by submission. His record demonstrates remarkable versatility, with the ability to finish opponents in multiple ways. Throughout his UFC career, he has established himself as a consistent winner at the highest level of the sport. His full career statistics are documented on his official UFC fighter profile.
Dricus du Plessis UFC Rankings
Following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025, du Plessis dropped to #12 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings as of March 17, 2026. Prior to that loss, he held the top position in the middleweight rankings as of August 19, 2025, after successfully defending his title against Sean Strickland.
UFC Bonuses and Accolades
Throughout his UFC career, du Plessis has accumulated several prestigious bonuses that recognize exceptional performances. He earned two Performance of the Night bonuses for his knockout victories against Trevin Giles and Robert Whittaker, showcasing his finishing ability on the feet.
He also received two Fight of the Night bonuses for his wars against Darren Till and Sean Strickland in their first encounter. These awards highlight his ability to deliver exciting, high-paced bouts that resonate with fans and the UFC organization alike.
Du Plessis is tied for fourth-most middleweight title wins in UFC history with three victories at that weight class. His UFC career began in 2020, and he maintained an undefeated 8-0 streak in the organization before losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025.
Pre-UFC Championships
Before joining the UFC, du Plessis built an impressive resume with regional championships across different organizations. He captured the EFC welterweight championship in 2016 and followed that by winning the EFC middleweight title in 2017, demonstrating his ability to compete and succeed at multiple weight classes.
In 2018, he added the KSW welterweight championship to his collection, establishing himself as one of the top prospects in international mixed martial arts. These early career achievements laid the foundation for his eventual move to the UFC. A detailed breakdown of his full professional record is available on Sherdog.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Weight Class | Middleweight (185 lbs / 84 kg) |
| Height | 6’0″ (183 cm) |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1994 |
| Nationality | South African (Afrikaner) |
| Place of Birth | Welkom, Orange Free State, South Africa |
| UFC Debut | October 11, 2020 |
| Professional Record | 24-2 (9 KOs, 11 submissions) |
| UFC Record | 10-1 (UFC 319 loss to Chimaev) |
| UFC Bonuses | 4 total (2 POTN, 2 FOTN) |
| Current Ranking | #12 Pound-for-Pound (March 2026) |
How Did Dricus du Plessis Win the UFC Middleweight Title?
Dricus du Plessis captured the UFC middleweight title at UFC 297 on January 20, 2024, defeating Sean Strickland via split decision after five rounds. The victory was hard-fought and closely contested, with 13 out of 24 media members scoring the bout in favor of du Plessis. The win marked the culmination of an impressive climb through the UFC rankings.
Path to the Title
Du Plessis’s journey to the title shot included dominant victories over several top-ranked middleweights. His knockout win against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023 solidified his position as the number one contender. Prior to that, he had collected impressive wins against Derek Brunson and Darren Till, building momentum with each performance.
The UFC 296 Incident
The build-up to his title fight against Strickland was marked by controversy. At UFC 296 in December 2023, a physical altercation between du Plessis and Strickland occurred backstage. Security personnel escorted Strickland from the venue following the incident, adding significant tension and animosity to their eventual championship bout at UFC 297.
When du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297, he became the first South African to ever win a UFC championship. This historic accomplishment represented a significant milestone for mixed martial arts in South Africa and established du Plessis as a trailblazer for future athletes from the region.
Title Defense Against Israel Adesanya
Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title at UFC 305 on August 18, 2024, defeating Israel Adesanya via submission with a face crank in the fourth round at 3:38. The victory was particularly significant as it marked the first submission loss of Adesanya’s professional career, demonstrating du Plessis’s grappling prowess.
Sean Strickland Rematch
At UFC 312 on February 9, 2025, du Plessis faced Strickland in a highly anticipated rematch for the middleweight title. This time, du Plessis secured a unanimous decision victory, taking all five rounds against his rival and successfully defending his championship for the second time.
Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland Rivalry
The rivalry between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland stands as one of the more intense feuds in recent UFC history. The animosity between the two middleweights began well before their first title bout, with the infamous altercation at UFC 296 setting the stage for what would become a memorable chapter in middleweight history.
First Encounter at UFC 297
Their first championship bout at UFC 297 delivered on all the hype surrounding the rivalry. The five-round battle was fiercely competitive, ultimately going to the judges’ scorecards where du Plessis secured the split decision victory. The fight earned Fight of the Night honors, with both competitors pushing each other to their limits throughout the contest.
The aftermath of that fight extended the rivalry, with both fighters showing mutual respect while maintaining their competitive edge. The desire for a rematch was evident from both sides, creating anticipation for their eventual second meeting inside the octagon.
Rematch at UFC 312
When they met again at UFC 312 in February 2025, du Plessis approached the rematch with a refined strategy. This time, he dominated all five rounds, earning a unanimous decision victory that left no doubt about his superiority in the cage. The win solidified his status as the rightful champion and resolved the rivalry definitively.
In their two encounters, du Plessis holds a 2-0 record against Strickland. Both fights were contested for the middleweight championship, with du Plessis winning the first via split decision and the second via unanimous decision.
When is Dricus du Plessis Next Fight?
Following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, the future fight schedule for Dricus du Plessis remains unconfirmed. No official announcement regarding his next opponent or fight date has been made public by the UFC organization.
Current Status
After losing his middleweight title to Chimaev, du Plessis currently sits at #12 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings as of March 2026. Prior to his loss, he had established himself as one of the top contenders in the middleweight division with successful title defenses against both Adesanya and Strickland.
The South African will likely seek an opportunity to rebuild his position in the division and potentially challenge for the title again. Given his previous success and the competitive nature of the middleweight division, his next fight will draw significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
Dricus du Plessis Fight Timeline
The professional career of Dricus du Plessis showcases a steady progression from regional competition to UFC championship level. His journey through the ranks demonstrates consistent improvement and the ability to perform against increasingly competitive opposition.
- : Knocked out Markus Perez in the first round at UFC Fight Night 179, finishing the bout at 3:22 of round one.
- : Earned a knockout victory against Trevin Giles in the second round, receiving Performance of the Night honors.
- : Secured a unanimous decision victory over Brad Tavares, followed by a submission win against Darren Till that earned Fight of the Night recognition.
- : Defeated Derek Brunson via corner stoppage in the second round at 4:59.
- : Achieved a TKO victory against Robert Whittaker in round two, earning Performance of the Night and establishing himself as the number one contender.
- : Won the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Sean Strickland via split decision, receiving Fight of the Night honors.
- : Successfully defended his title against Israel Adesanya, submitting him with a face crank in the fourth round.
- : Defended his title against Sean Strickland in a rematch, winning via unanimous decision.
- : Lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev via unanimous decision.
What is Known and What Remains Open
| Established Information | Uncertain or Unknown |
|---|---|
| Professional record of 24-2 | Next opponent selection |
| Lost title to Chimaev at UFC 319 (August 16, 2025) | Specific fight date for return bout |
| Currently ranked #12 pound-for-pound | Long-term division plans |
| Two successful title defenses against Adesanya and Strickland | Potential future title contenders |
| Born January 14, 1994, in Welkom, South Africa | Potential fight-night bonuses or performance details |
| First South African UFC champion | Health or recovery status |
Analysis: Dricus du Plessis Fighting Style
Dricus du Plessis embodies the archetype of a complete mixed martial artist, combining powerful striking with elite grappling capabilities. His fighting style has evolved significantly throughout his career, reflecting years of dedicated training across multiple disciplines from an early age.
Striking Approach
With a foundation in kickboxing that includes a WAKO world title at age 17, du Plessis possesses dangerous striking ability that has translated effectively into the octagon. His knockout victories against Trevin Giles, Robert Whittaker, and others demonstrate his capacity to finish fights on the feet. His striking style favors volume and pressure, often overwhelming opponents with continuous offense.
Grappling and Submission Skills
Despite being known primarily for his striking, du Plessis has demonstrated exceptional grappling prowess throughout his career. His submission victory over Israel Adesanya, who had never been submitted before, highlighted his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu capabilities. His submission record of 11 professional wins underscores his ability to secure victories on the ground when opportunities present themselves.
Resilience and Cardiovascular Conditioning
Du Plessis has shown remarkable resilience throughout his career, often pushing through difficult moments in fights. His five-round performances against Sean Strickland in both encounters demonstrated solid cardiovascular conditioning and mental fortitude. This ability to sustain high-intensity efforts throughout championship rounds has proven crucial at the highest level.
Du Plessis combines judo, wrestling, and kickboxing into a well-rounded approach that allows him to adapt to any fighting scenario. His training from judo at age 5, wrestling at age 12, and kickboxing at age 14 created a diverse skill set that makes him dangerous regardless of where a fight takes place.
Expert Analysis and Sources
Established sports publications, official UFC records, and dedicated MMA coverage outlets have tracked du Plessis’s rise through the ranks in depth. His performances have drawn analysis from outlets including MMA Junkie and ESPN MMA, both of which have chronicled his title reign and championship bouts extensively.
Du Plessis has emerged as one of the most exciting fighters in the middleweight division, combining knockout power with surprising grappling ability. His victory over Israel Adesanya proved that he cannot be counted out in any aspect of the game.
— Sports coverage of UFC 305
The fighter’s personal motto, “They don’t know what we know,” reflects his confidence and belief in his own abilities. This mindset has driven him throughout his career, from his early days training in multiple martial arts to becoming the first South African UFC champion in history.
Summary
Dricus du Plessis has carved a unique place in UFC history as the first South African to ever claim a championship in the organization. With a professional record of 24-2 and a fighting style that combines powerful striking with elite grappling, he has established himself as one of the most complete athletes in the middleweight division. His championship reign included successful defenses against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland before ending with a loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. As he continues his career, du Plessis remains a significant figure in the sport, with his combination of skill, resilience, and national pride making him a compelling athlete to follow. For those interested in other sporting records and achievements, consider reading about cricket’s top run scorers or Arsenal FC’s current squad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dricus du Plessis’s current UFC ranking?
As of March 17, 2026, Dricus du Plessis is ranked #12 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Prior to his loss to Khamzat Chimaev, he held the #1 position in the middleweight rankings as of August 19, 2025.
What is Dricus du Plessis fighting style?
Du Plessis is a well-rounded mixed martial artist with a background in judo (age 5), wrestling (age 12), and kickboxing (age 14). He combines powerful striking with elite grappling, holding 9 knockout wins and 11 submission victories in his professional career.
Where is Dricus du Plessis from?
Dricus du Plessis was born in Welkom, Orange Free State, South Africa. He is Afrikaner by heritage and became the first South African to ever win a UFC championship when he captured the middleweight title in January 2024.
How many title defenses did Dricus du Plessis have?
Du Plessis successfully defended his middleweight title twice before losing to Khamzat Chimaev. He defeated Israel Adesanya via submission at UFC 305 and Sean Strickland via unanimous decision at UFC 312 in their rematch.
What happened in Dricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland fights?
Du Plessis faced Strickland twice, winning both encounters for the middleweight championship. The first bout at UFC 297 ended with a split decision victory, while the rematch at UFC 312 resulted in a unanimous decision win for du Plessis.
When did Dricus du Plessis lose his UFC title?
Du Plessis lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. The bout ended in a unanimous decision victory for Chimaev, who became the new champion.
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