Mixed Martial Arts has produced some unforgettable names, and one fighter who is quickly etching his legacy is Dricus Du Plessis.
Known for his aggressive fighting style, incredible stamina, and unmatched determination, Du Plessis has become one of the most dominant forces in the UFC. His journey from Pretoria, South Africa, to the world stage is nothing short of inspirational.
Let’s dive deep into Dricus Du Plessis’s biography, career journey, fight purses, endorsements, achievements, and more.
Dricus Du Plessis’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dricus Johannes Du Plessis |
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| College | University of Pretoria (Studied Agricultural Economics, later shifted to pursue MMA) |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | South African |
| Turned Professional | 2013 |
| Salary | Approx. $400,000 annually (fight purses + bonuses) |
| Current Net Worth (2025) | Estimated $3 Million |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship (not publicly married yet) |
| Spouse/Girlfriend | – |
| Car Collection | Mercedes-AMG, BMW M-Series |
| Bike Collection | KTM and Yamaha superbikes |
| Top Brands Uses | Nike, Monster Energy, UFC gear |
| Hobby | Hunting, Traveling, Fitness |
| Instagram Profile | @dricusduplessis |
Born on January 14, 1994, in Pretoria, South Africa, Dricus Du Plessis grew up in a supportive family that encouraged his passion for sports. From a young age, he showed an interest in martial arts, particularly judo and wrestling, before finding his true calling in mixed martial arts.
He balanced academics and athletics while attending the University of Pretoria, but his love for fighting quickly took priority. His parents initially had concerns about his career path, yet their support never wavered.
Early Career
Dricus Du Plessis began his professional MMA career in 2013 at age 19. He fought in local South African promotions before joining Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC). His powerful striking and submission skills quickly made him a standout.
Du Plessis won both the EFC Welterweight and Middleweight Championships, making him one of the most successful fighters in African MMA history. His early dominance laid the foundation for his UFC career.
Professional Career
Du Plessis signed with the UFC in 2020, making an immediate impact with a first-round knockout against Markus Perez. His relentless pace, knockout power, and ability to finish fights in any round made him a fan favorite.
Over the next few years, he defeated top-ranked opponents such as Brad Tavares, Darren Till, and Robert Whittaker, proving himself as a genuine title contender.
In 2024, Du Plessis reached the pinnacle of his career when he captured the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Sean Strickland.
This victory made him the first South African-born fighter to win a UFC title, a historic milestone for both his country and African MMA as a whole.
His rise from EFC champion to UFC world champion is one of the most remarkable stories in modern MMA.
Dricus Du Plessis’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Dricus Du Plessis has an estimated net worth is $3 million. His wealth primarily comes from UFC fight purses, win bonuses, Performance of the Night bonuses, and sponsorship deals. His growing popularity also makes him a rising name in endorsements, adding to his financial growth.
Fight Purses
| Date | Opponent | Result | Event | Fight Purse (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2020 | Markus Perez | Win (KO) | UFC Fight Night | $50,000 |
| Jul 2022 | Brad Tavares | Win (Decision) | UFC 276 | $75,000 |
| Dec 2022 | Darren Till | Win (Submission) | UFC 282 | $120,000 |
| Jul 2023 | Robert Whittaker | Win (TKO) | UFC 290 | $250,000 |
| Jan 2024 | Sean Strickland | Win (Decision) | UFC 297 | $500,000 + PPV share |
Endorsements
- Monster Energy
- UFC official gear and merchandise
- Potential collaborations with Nike and fitness companies
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Decision | Round | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2024 | Sean Strickland | Win | Decision (Split) | 5 | 5:00 | UFC 297 |
| Jul 2023 | Robert Whittaker | Win | TKO | 2 | 2:23 | UFC 290 |
| Dec 2022 | Darren Till | Win | Submission (Face crank) | 3 | 2:43 | UFC 282 |
| Jul 2022 | Brad Tavares | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 | UFC 276 |
| Oct 2020 | Markus Perez | Win | KO (Punches) | 1 | 3:22 | UFC Fight Night |
FAQs
Who is Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis is a South African mixed martial artist competing in the UFC. He fights in the Middleweight division and became the first South African-born UFC Champion after winning the middleweight title in 2024.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s age?
He was born on January 14, 1994, which makes him 31 years old in 2025. Despite his age, he has already achieved incredible milestones in his MMA career.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s fighting style?
Du Plessis uses a well-rounded style combining powerful striking, aggressive forward pressure, and high-level grappling. His ability to adapt in fights makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the middleweight division.
Where is Dricus Du Plessis from?
He was born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa. His success has made him a national hero and a symbol of African representation on the global MMA stage.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s nickname and why?
His nickname is “Stillknocks,” which highlights his knockout power and finishing ability inside the octagon. The name also reflects his fearless mindset and relentless drive in every fight.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Dricus Du Plessis has an estimated net worth is $3 million. His wealth primarily comes from UFC fight purses, win bonuses, Performance of the Night bonuses, and sponsorship deals.
Who has Dricus Du Plessis defeated in the UFC?
He has defeated big names like Robert Whittaker, Darren Till, Brad Tavares, and Sean Strickland. These victories pushed him to the top of the UFC middleweight division and cemented his title run.
Is Dricus Du Plessis married?
No, Du Plessis is not married.
What are Dricus Du Plessis’s major achievements?
His biggest accomplishment is becoming UFC Middleweight Champion in 2024. Before that, he held titles in EFC and KSW, making him one of the most decorated African fighters in MMA history.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s Instagram handle?
His official Instagram handle is @dricusduplessis. He shares training sessions, fight updates, lifestyle moments, and motivational posts with his fans.
