Dricus du Plessis

Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis fights like a man who has been personally insulted by the existence of a fifth round — relentless, aggressive, and operating under the apparent belief that every exchange should end with someone unconscious. Born on January 3, 1994, in Pretoria, South Africa, du Plessis became the first South African to hold a UFC title, and the pressure-fighting style that got him there has made him one of the most entertaining fighters in the middleweight division.

Du Plessis captured the middleweight belt in January 2024 by submitting Sean Strickland, defended it twice — including a rematch win over Strickland and an exciting bout with Israel Adesanya — before losing the title to the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision at UFC 319 in August 2025. Losing the belt to Chimaev is no disgrace; Chimaev is a once-in-a-generation talent. The question is whether du Plessis can recalibrate and make another championship run, and his competitive fury suggests the answer is yes.

With a record of 23-3 and a ranking of twelfth in the men’s pound-for-pound list as of February 2026, du Plessis remains an elite middleweight and a fighter whose Southern Hemisphere connection has earned him a passionate Australian following. His willingness to engage, his knockout power, and his absolute refusal to fight conservatively make every du Plessis bout an event worth watching.

Fight Record

Fighter Profile

Dricus du Plessis competes in the Middleweight division with a record of 23-3 and the distinction of being the first South African UFC champion. The former titleholder’s pressure-fighting style makes him a constant threat to regain the belt, and his willingness to engage in firefights ensures that every du Plessis appearance on a card is one that fans circle on the calendar. “Stillknocks” is not just a nickname. It is a promise.

VS — Chief sports columnist, australiafootball.com