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 | 183cm6′0″ |
| Reach | 193cm6′4″ |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Age | 32 |
| KO rate | 87% |
| Status | Active |
How the wins come
83% Finish rate- 9 KO/TKO · 38%
- 11 Submission · 46%
- 4 Decision · 17%
Recent results
- Wvs Kamaru Usmandu Plessis def. Usman (UD, 50-45 / 49-46 / 49-46)
Auto-linked from KIAI's event coverage — updated as fights are decided.
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 24-3, du Plessis remains a top middleweight. He returned to the win column at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City on July 18, 2026, out-working former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman over five rounds for a lopsided unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46).
Fight history
- WKamaru UsmanW UD 5
- 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 24-3 as of July 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 not currently booked for a next fight. He most recently defeated Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City on July 18, 2026.
- Did du Plessis beat Kamaru Usman?
- Yes. He won a lopsided unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 49-46) over Usman on July 18, 2026 at UFC Fight Night in Oklahoma City.