Dricus Du Plessis – Record, Next Fight & Career Stats
Dricus Du Plessis, the South African mixed martial artist known as “Stillknocks,” saw his reign as UFC middleweight champion end in August 2025 after a unanimous decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. With a professional record of 23-3-0, the 32-year-old is now preparing for a comeback bout against former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026, at a UFC Fight Night event.
Before that setback, Du Plessis had built an 11-fight win streak, captured the middleweight belt from Sean Strickland in January 2024, and successfully defended it against Strickland again and then Israel Adesanya. His aggressive pressure style and finishing ability made him a fan favorite and a historic figure as the first South African champion in UFC history.
As he enters the next chapter of his career, fans and analysts are watching closely to see how he bounces back against a seasoned opponent like Usman. The fight will test Du Plessis’s resilience and could determine his path back to title contention.
What is Dricus Du Plessis Next Fight?
- Du Plessis is the first South African UFC champion in history.
- He won 9 of his last 10 fights before the Chimaev loss, with the sole UFC defeat early in his run.
- Known for relentless pressure and a powerful overhand right, with 48% striking accuracy.
- His rise from KSW champion to UFC titleholder took just three years (2021–2024).
- He trains at CIT Performance Institute alongside other top-level South African fighters.
- His finishing rate is high: 9 knockouts and 11 submissions across 23 wins.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Dricus du Plessis |
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Birth date | January 14, 1994 (age 32) |
| Nationality | South African (Pretoria, Gauteng) |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight class | Middleweight (185 lbs) |
| Reach | 76″ (193 cm) |
| Stance | Switch |
| Team | Team CIT (CIT Performance Institute) |
| Previous title | UFC Middleweight Champion (Jan 2024 – Aug 2025) |
What is Dricus Du Plessis MMA Record and Stats?
Du Plessis’s official professional record stands at 23 wins, 3 losses, with no draws. According to UFC stats and CBS Sports, his finishing ability is a key part of his game: 9 wins by knockout and 11 by submission, with only 3 victories going to the judges’ scorecards.
Striking and grappling numbers
He lands an average of 5.18 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.33, reflecting his high-volume pressure style. His striking accuracy sits between 48% and 49%, according to UFC Stats. On the ground, he averages 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 51% success rate, and 0.71 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Du Plessis’s 5.18 significant strikes landed per minute is among the highest in the middleweight division, indicating a relentless forward-pressure approach.
Win breakdown
- Knockouts: 9
- Submissions: 11 (including 4 guillotines, 5 rear-naked chokes, 2 face cranks)
- Decisions: 3
How Does Dricus Du Plessis Compare to Key Opponents: Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev?
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland
Du Plessis faced Strickland twice. At UFC 297 in January 2024, he won the vacant middleweight title via split decision. They met again at UFC 312 in February 2025, where Du Plessis retained the belt with a unanimous decision victory. Both fights were closely contested, with Du Plessis’s pressure and durability proving decisive.
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
The title fight at UFC 319 on August 17, 2025, ended Du Plessis’s championship reign. Chimaev dominated the bout and won by unanimous decision, becoming the new middleweight champion. The loss snapped Du Plessis’s 11-fight win streak.
Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy game plan effectively neutralized Du Plessis’s striking pressure. Analysts note that Du Plessis will need to improve takedown defense and offensive grappling to reclaim the title.
Who is Dricus Du Plessis? Biography and Background
Early life and nickname
Born on January 14, 1994, in Pretoria, South Africa, Du Plessis earned the nickname “Stillknocks” from his brother after an amateur K-1 kickboxing career where he went 33-0 with 30 knockouts. The name refers to his ability to keep advancing despite taking hits.
Coach and training camp
He trains at the CIT Performance Institute (Team CIT) under his father Pierre du Plessis and other coaches, according to his UFC athlete profile. The South African camp has produced several top fighters.
Pre-UFC career
Before joining the UFC in 2020, Du Plessis competed in promotions like EFC in South Africa and KSW in Poland. He won the KSW middleweight title, which helped pave his way to the world’s largest MMA organization.
Details about Du Plessis’s relationship status are not publicly verified. No confirmed information about a partner is available from official sources.
What is Dricus Du Plessis Career Timeline?
- 2013–2019: Early career in South African promotions (EFC) and Poland’s KSW. Wins KSW middleweight title.
- 2020: Signs with the UFC.
- October 2020: UFC debut – submission win over Markus Perez.
- 2021–2023: Five-fight UFC win streak including victories over Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Robert Whittaker.
- January 2024: Wins UFC Middleweight Championship by split decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 297.
- August 2024: Defends title via TKO against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.
- February 2025: Retains belt via unanimous decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 312.
- August 2025: Loses title to Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision at UFC 319.
- July 2026: Scheduled to face Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night.
What is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Dricus Du Plessis?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Du Plessis is 32 years old, born 14 January 1994 in Pretoria, South Africa. | His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates range from $3–5 million. |
| His professional MMA record is 23-3-0. | Plans for a potential move to light heavyweight are speculative. |
| He lost the UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025. | Official details about his relationship status are unverified. |
| His next fight is confirmed against Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026. | Whether a rematch with Chimaev or Strickland will occur is unconfirmed. |
What is the Context Behind Dricus Du Plessis’s Fighting Style?
Du Plessis is known for aggressive pressure, heavy hands, and a durable chin. His 5.18 significant strikes per minute indicate high volume, while his 48% accuracy shows a willingness to throw in volume. He mixes in takedowns but primarily strikes, often using a switch stance to create angles. He has defeated three former champions—Strickland, Adesanya, Whittaker—solidifying his position as a top middleweight.
The upcoming fight against Kamaru Usman presents a stylistic challenge. Usman, a former welterweight champion moving up, brings elite wrestling and cardio. Du Plessis will need to impose his pressure and avoid prolonged grappling exchanges. For more on combat sports athletes, read the profile of Oba Femi – Biography, Real Name, Age, Net Worth, and WWE Career.
Sources and Credibility
The information in this article draws from official UFC records, CBS Sports, ESPN, and the UFC’s athlete page. For raw statistics, UFC Stats provides per-fight data. For biographical details, CBS Sports and ESPN are reliable sources. Additional context comes from AgentMMA and Tapology.
“Dricus du Plessis is the first South African UFC champion in history.” – Multiple sports journalism outlets
Summary: What is the Key Takeaway About Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis remains a top figure in the UFC middleweight division despite losing his title. With a strong record, a proven finishing ability, and a major fight against Kamaru Usman on the horizon, his story is far from over. For more on combat sports athletes, read the profile of Oba Femi – Biography, Real Name, Age, Net Worth, and WWE Career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Dricus du Plessis?
He was born on January 14, 1994, making him 32 years old as of mid-2026.
What is Dricus du Plessis’ height and reach?
He is 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall with a reach of 76 inches (193 cm).
Who is Dricus du Plessis’ coach?
He trains at CIT Performance Institute under head coach Pierre du Plessis (his father) and other coaches.
What is Dricus du Plessis’ net worth?
Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates range from $3–5 million from UFC fights and endorsements.
How did Dricus du Plessis get the nickname ‘Stillknocks’?
His brother gave him the nickname after his amateur K-1 kickboxing career, where he went 33-0 with 30 knockouts, referring to his ability to keep moving forward despite being hit.
What promotions did he fight in before the UFC?
He competed in Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) in South Africa and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW) in Poland, where he won the middleweight title.
When is his next fight?
He is scheduled to face Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026, at a UFC Fight Night event.
What is his striking accuracy?
According to UFC Stats, his significant striking accuracy is between 48% and 49%.
How many wins does Dricus du Plessis have by knockout?
He has 9 knockout victories out of 23 total wins.
Is Dricus du Plessis in a relationship?
No verified information about his relationship status is publicly available.
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