UFC Fighter Analysis for Betting: Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has quickly gone from a relatively unknown fighter to the king of the UFC middleweight division. With a current professional record of 23 wins and just 2 losses, he’s defeated top contenders like Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Sean Strickland—all while being underestimated by oddsmakers.

If you’re into UFC betting, Du Plessis is a name you need to pay attention to. Known for finishing fights in spectacular fashion, he’s not just a champion—he’s a betting value pick. This article breaks down Du Plessis’ fight style, key betting metrics, and how to approach his upcoming bouts, especially his much-anticipated title defense against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.

Fighter Overview

• Full Name: Dricus Du Plessis

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• Nickname: Stillknocks

• Country: South Africa

• Weight Class: Middleweight (185 lbs)

• Stance: Switch

• Height / Reach: 6’1″ / 76 inches

• Team: CIT Performance Institute

• Current Win Streak: 11 fights (as of UFC 318)

• Finish Rate: 87% (9 KOs, 11 submissions)

Du Plessis is one of the few fighters in the UFC who truly blends power, grappling, and cardio into one dangerous package. Whether you’re betting on method of victory or round totals, his history makes him a versatile option for multiple bet types.

Key Performance Metrics for Bettors

If you’re betting on Du Plessis, don’t just look at the W-L column. Here are the performance stats that actually matter:

✅ Striking Efficiency

Du Plessis isn’t the cleanest striker technically, but he lands with power and purpose. His significant strikes per minute (SSPM) often exceed his opponents, and he has multiple TKO finishes over elite fighters like Whittaker and Till.

✅ Grappling Threat

While he’s not known primarily as a wrestler, Du Plessis has a strong submission game. His wins via guillotine and rear-naked choke show he can finish the fight anywhere.

✅ Fight IQ and Adaptability

He’s shown the ability to recover from bad starts and adjust mid-fight. In high-stakes bouts, that adaptability has paid off for both himself and bettors who backed him live or late in fights.

✅ Cardio and Durability

Du Plessis has never been finished by strikes and often gains momentum as the fight goes on. That makes him a great candidate for late-round props or comeback bets.

️ Strengths and Weaknesses (For Betting Strategy)

Strengths:

• Versatility: Capable of winning by KO, submission, or decision.

• Underdog Upside: He’s cashed several plus-money tickets.

• Big Fight Composure: Proven performance in 5-round main events.

• High Finish Rate: Makes him perfect for “inside the distance” wagers.

⚠️ Weaknesses:

• Defensive Gaps: He tends to eat shots early in fights, which could be risky against fast starters like Chimaev.

• Slow Starter: Often takes a round to get going, which may impact round-by-round bets.

• Not a Volume Striker: While accurate, he doesn’t overwhelm with output, which can affect scorecards in close fights.

️ Recent Fight History & Betting Outcomes

Dricus Du Plessis has consistently delivered value for bettors—especially those who backed him as an underdog.

UFC 297 – vs. Sean Strickland (Jan 2024)

• Result: Won by Split Decision

• Pre-fight odds: +120 underdog

• Betting takeaway: A tightly contested 5-rounder where Du Plessis edged the champ with pressure and effective aggression. Those who backed him on the moneyline walked away with a solid plus-money win.

UFC 305 – vs. Israel Adesanya (Aug 2024)

• Result: Won via 4th Round Submission

• Pre-fight odds: +185 underdog

• Betting takeaway: A huge upset victory. Bettors who took Du Plessis by submission or “inside the distance” scored major returns. This fight solidified his reputation as a high-reward underdog pick.

UFC 312 – vs. Sean Strickland 2 (Feb 2025)

• Result: Won via Unanimous Decision

• Pre-fight odds: -135 favorite

• Betting takeaway: Showed he could handle pressure and perform as the favorite. While not as lucrative as past fights, bettors who backed him to win by decision cashed in at boosted odds.

UFC 319 Preview: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev

Tale of the Tape:

Du Plessis enters UFC 319 once again as the betting underdog—despite being the defending champion. This is largely due to Chimaev’s undefeated record and dominant grappling style.

Betting Strategy for Du Plessis

Best Bet Types

• Moneyline: Proven performer as an underdog. Even small bets can yield high returns.

• Inside the Distance: With 20 of 23 wins coming via finish, this is a strong bet.

• Submission Prop: Especially if Chimaev overcommits in grappling exchanges.

• Over 1.5 Rounds: Du Plessis tends to build momentum after Round 1.

Riskier Bet Types

• First-Round Win: Not his typical approach—he often takes a round to gauge his opponent.

• Heavy Parlays: While tempting, adding Du Plessis to parlays is risky due to his unpredictable pace.

Final Verdict: Is Du Plessis a Good Bet?

Absolutely—especially when he’s the underdog. Du Plessis has defied expectations time and again with smart strategy, finishing ability, and pure grit. He’s not the flashiest fighter, but his style wins fights—and wins bets.

If you’re looking for high-value opportunities, Du Plessis is the type of fighter who offers massive upside when matched against more hyped opponents like Chimaev. Just remember: always time your bets carefully and shop odds across different sportsbooks for maximum return.

‍♂️ FAQs About Betting on Dricus Du Plessis

Q1: Is Du Plessis a good pick for parlays?
Not ideal—his fights can be unpredictable. He’s better suited for straight bets or prop picks with big payout potential.

Q2: What’s his most common way to win?
Submissions and TKOs are both common. Bet “Inside the Distance” if you’re unsure.

Q3: Is he a live betting opportunity?
Yes. He often starts slow, so odds may drift early—then tighten up as he turns the tide.

Q4: How does he match up vs. wrestlers?
He’s shown resilience on the ground, but UFC 319 will be his biggest test against elite-level wrestling.