Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis is one of the most explosive and unorthodox fighters in modern UFC history, becoming the first South African to capture UFC gold. Known for his relentless pressure, devastating power, slick submissions, and fearless trash-talking style, the Afrikaner middleweight rose rapidly from regional dominance to championship glory. His unique blend of pinpoint striking, grappling transitions, and never-back-down mentality has made him a fan favorite and a nightmare matchup at 185 lbs.
After winning the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2024 and defending it twice (including a historic submission over Israel Adesanya), du Plessis suffered a dominant unanimous decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025, ending his reign. Now a top contender ranked, and he’s plotting a strong return to reclaim the belt.
Dricus du Plessis Quick Profile Summary
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dricus du Plessis |
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1994 |
| Age | 32 (as of early 2026) |
| Nationality | South African 🇿🇦 |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
| Weight Class | Middleweight (185 lbs) |
| Fighting Style | Kickboxing, Wrestling, Submissions, Aggressive Pressure |
| Team | CIT Performance Institute |
| UFC Status | Middleweight Contender |
| Net Worth (Est.) | $3–5 million (reflecting title run purses, defenses, bonuses, and endorsements) |
Biography Early Life & Background
Born January 14, 1994, in Welkom, Free State, South Africa, Dricus du Plessis grew up as an Afrikaner with a deep passion for martial arts. He started judo at age 5 (continuing until 10), added wrestling from 12–14, and began kickboxing at 14. In 2012, at just 17, he became South Africa’s first medalist at the WAKO World Championships, winning gold in K-1 style. Realizing limited earnings in kickboxing, he transitioned to MMA in 2013.
MMA Career & Rise
Du Plessis turned pro in July 2013, quickly dominating regional scenes. He became a two-division champion in South Africa’s Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC)—Welterweight and Middleweight—and captured the KSW Welterweight title in Poland. His UFC debut came October 10, 2020, with a first-round KO over Markus Perez (Performance of the Night).
He built momentum with wins over Derek Brunson, Brad Tavares, and a massive second-round TKO of former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 (2023), earning title contention. At UFC 297 (January 20, 2024), he dethroned Sean Strickland via split decision to become the first South African UFC champion.
Defenses followed: a fourth-round rear-naked choke submission over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 (August 17, 2024), and a unanimous decision rematch victory over Strickland at UFC 312 (February 8, 2025). His reign ended at UFC 319 (August 16, 2025), losing a lopsided unanimous decision to Khamzat Chimaev, who controlled him on the ground for much of the fight.
Net Worth & Earnings
As of early 2026, Dricus du Plessis’ estimated net worth is $3–5 million (some conservative sources cite lower around $1 million, but title defenses and PPV points push it higher).
His earnings exploded during his championship run: base purses reached $300,000–$1.2 million+ for title fights, plus significant PPV shares, bonuses (e.g., Performance of the Night multiple times), and sponsorships. Early UFC bouts started at ~$75,000 base, but main events and defenses delivered seven-figure paydays (e.g., estimated $1–3+ million totals for high-profile bouts).
Endorsements and Business Income Du Plessis partners with brands like SuperSport (UFC promos in Africa), Vivify U (wellness/active lifestyle), Hennies (South African fight apparel), and others. These align with his hard-work ethic and community focus, adding steady income alongside fight pay.
Where Does Dricus du Plessis Live and Train?
He resides in Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa, training at CIT Performance Institute (formerly known for high-level coaching). The gym emphasizes well-rounded MMA, with du Plessis honing his unorthodox style under expert guidance. He remains deeply connected to South African roots, often representing national pride.
UFC / MMA Career Record
Du Plessis boasts a high finish rate (many early KOs/subs). As of early 2026, his professional MMA record is 23 wins, 3 losses.
Professional MMA Record (Selected Highlights)
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Round | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 16, 2025 | Khamzat Chimaev | Loss | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | UFC 319 (Title Fight) |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Sean Strickland | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | 5 | UFC 312 (Title Defense) |
| Aug 17, 2024 | Israel Adesanya | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | 4 | UFC 305 (Title Defense) |
| Jan 20, 2024 | Sean Strickland | Win | Decision (Split) | 5 | UFC 297 (Won Title) |
| Jul 8, 2023 | Robert Whittaker | Win | TKO (Strikes) | 2 | UFC 290 |
| … (earlier notable wins include Derek Brunson, Brad Tavares, etc.) |
Next Fight & Career Outlook (2026+)
No fight is officially scheduled, but du Plessis targets a return in March or April 2026 (around 7–8 months post-UFC 319). He’s eyeing a strong comeback bout—potentially against top contenders like Nassourdine Imavov (#2) or Brendan Allen (#5)—to rebuild momentum toward a rematch with champion Khamzat Chimaev.
At 32, with his finishing ability, fan appeal, and motivation for “unimaginable revenge,” du Plessis remains a prime threat. A win streak could vault him back to title contention quickly in the competitive middleweight landscape.
Family & Personal Life
Du Plessis keeps his personal life relatively private but is engaged to Vasti Spiller (a boxing coach, kickboxing instructor, photographer, and entrepreneur) since their relationship went public around 2022–2023. They announced their engagement at his 31st birthday in January 2025, with wedding plans underway. Vasti, from Gauteng, supports him at events and shares glimpses of their life on social media (her Instagram has strong following). They balance high-stakes careers with grounded values—no children mentioned publicly.
Lifestyle
Du Plessis embodies discipline and intensity, often training rigorously while embracing South African culture. His nickname “Stillknocks” originated from his amateur K-1 days (33-0 with 30 KOs). Off-cage, he focuses on family, faith, and community, occasionally sharing motivational content.
Dricus du Plessis FAQ
Is Dricus du Plessis married? Engaged to Vasti Spiller (since January 2025); wedding plans in progress.
What is Dricus du Plessis’ nickname origin? “Stillknocks”—from his dominant amateur K-1 career.
Did Dricus du Plessis beat Israel Adesanya? Yes, via fourth-round submission at UFC 305 (2024).
What is Dricus du Plessis’ UFC record? 9-1 in the UFC (as of early 2026).
Is Dricus du Plessis the first South African UFC champion? Yes—middleweight title in 2024.
Conclusion
Dricus du Plessis represents South African pride and MMA’s evolving elite—pioneering breakthroughs with explosive finishes and championship heart. After losing the belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, his 2026 return promises fireworks as he hunts redemption and another run at gold. With unorthodox skills, unbreakable will, and growing legacy, “Stillknocks” keeps the middleweight division electric and remains a fighter to watch closely.
