Dricus du Plessis “Stillknocks”
Middleweight · South Africa · UFC
Unorthodox high-volume pressure striker, very durable
Awkward angles and pace that break opponents
Record & stats
| Division | Middleweight |
|---|---|
| Categories | MMA |
| Promotion | UFC |
| Nationality | South Africa |
| Born | Welkom, Free State, South Africa |
| Team | Team CIT |
| Pro debut | 2013 |
| Height | 183cm |
| Reach | 193cm |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 32 |
| KO rate | 87% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
87% Finish rate- 9 KO/TKO · 39%
- 11 Submission · 48%
- 3 Decision · 13%
Titles & honors
- Former UFC Middleweight Champion
Biography
Dricus "Stillknocks" du Plessis is a South African former UFC Middleweight champion known for an unorthodox, high-volume style and remarkable toughness. He trains with Team CIT in South Africa under Morné Visser and Niel Geyser.
Du Plessis won the title by outpointing Sean Strickland at UFC 297 (January 2024), then authored a signature win by submitting Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 (2024). He successfully defended in a rematch with Strickland at UFC 312 (early 2025).
His reign ended at UFC 319 (August 2025), when Khamzat Chimaev controlled him for five rounds to take the belt by decision. Now 23-3, du Plessis remains a top middleweight; he is scheduled to face Kamaru Usman in July 2026 as he looks to rebuild toward a rematch.
Fight history
- LKhamzat ChimaevL UD 5
- WIsrael AdesanyaW SUB R4
FAQ
- Is Dricus du Plessis still middleweight champion?
- No. He lost the UFC Middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev by decision at UFC 319 in August 2025.
- What is du Plessis's record?
- Dricus du Plessis is 23-3 as of June 2026.
- Did du Plessis beat Israel Adesanya?
- Yes. He submitted Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in 2024, one of his signature wins.
- Who does du Plessis fight next?
- He is scheduled to face Kamaru Usman in July 2026.