Dricus Du Plessis: A Rising Star in UFC

Let’s dive right into the exciting story of Dricus Du Plessis, who’s quickly become one of the UFC’s most promising fighters. Hailing from South Africa, his path to the top has been nothing short of inspiring. In this article, we’ll trace his steps from his early days back home to his current status as a UFC standout, breaking down his unique fighting approach, those unforgettable moments in his career, and what might lie ahead. We’ll also touch on some personal details, his impressive physical build, and how he’s built his financial standing along the way.

Dricus Du Plessis: Biography Table

Career Overview

Dricus Du Plessis, often called “Stillknocks,” kicked off his pro MMA journey back in 2013. He made waves in the South African scene with EFC, where he snagged titles in both welterweight and middleweight divisions. Picture this: he pulled off some slick submissions, like those guillotines against fighters such as Yannick Bahati and Martin van Staden. Then he took his talents to KSW, knocking out Roberto Soldić for the welterweight belt in 2018, though he dropped a rematch later that year – one of just two losses he’s ever had.

When he stepped into the UFC in 2020, he wasted no time making an impact with a knockout over Markus Perez. From there, it was a steady climb with wins that turned heads, like stopping Derek Brunson in 2023 and shocking everyone by knocking out former champ Robert Whittaker that same year. He claimed the middleweight crown by edging out Sean Strickland in a split decision at UFC 297 in early 2024, and then defended it impressively against Israel Adesanya later that summer, tapping him out in the fourth – a first for Adesanya. He capped it off with a solid decision in a rematch against Strickland in February 2025.

What sets Du Plessis apart is his aggressive, in-your-face style. He’s got that raw power in his punches and a knack for turning fights with his grappling. His finishes are legendary – 11 by knockout and 10 by submission. Sure, his technique might look a bit rough around the edges sometimes, but it’s that grit and adaptability that make him such a danger in the middleweight mix. He’s undefeated in the UFC at 9-0, with six of those ending early.

Net Worth Table (2019-2025)

Tracking Du Plessis’ money story shows how his success in the cage has translated to real financial gains. These are rough estimates, pulled from his fight earnings, sponsorships, and growing fame. Brands like Monster Energy and some South African partners have boosted him, especially after those big title moments.

Upcoming Fights

Right now, on this very day – August 16, 2025 – Du Plessis is gearing up for a massive title defense at UFC 319 in Chicago’s United Center. His opponent? The unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev, who’s been tearing through the ranks. This one’s got everyone buzzing because it pits Du Plessis’ battle-tested championship skills against Chimaev’s ferocious wrestling and subs. Chimaev sits at No. 3 with a perfect 13-0 record, and he’s hungry for that gold.

Winning here would be huge for Du Plessis, marking his third defense and maybe setting up rematches or fresh faces like Caio Borralho or Nassourdine Imavov. The odds are tight, with Chimaev a slight favorite, but Du Plessis has that proven heart. Beyond this, nothing’s locked in, but a victory could mean bigger events worldwide or even some dream matchups.

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Personal Life and Insights

Away from the bright lights of the Octagon, Du Plessis keeps things real and tied to his South African background. He grew up in Welkom and later Hatfield, Pretoria, in an Afrikaner family. His folks, Japie and Gerda, got him into martial arts young – think karate and judo – which built that tough foundation. He’s got two brothers, one of whom helps coach him, and family is everything to this guy.

Just this year, on his 31st birthday, he popped the question to his fiancée, Vasti Spiller from Johannesburg. They share a strong Christian faith, and she’s often in his posts, showing off their tight bond. Du Plessis gives back too, running programs for kids in South Africa and proudly waving the flag as the country’s first UFC champ. He chats with fans in Afrikaans sometimes, keeping that cultural connection alive while handling the demands of being a pro fighter.

Physical Stats

Du Plessis’ build gives him a real edge in middleweight, helping him control distance with strikes and dominate up close.

Fighting Style Breakdown

Digging into how Du Plessis fights, it’s all about that wild, pressure-cooker energy mixed with smart takedowns and holds. He’s a beast with his power punches – remember that Whittaker KO? – and his subs are top-notch, like the choke that ended Adesanya. He’s got this mental edge too, pushing through tough spots no matter what.

That said, he’s not perfect. His strikes can come off a tad slow or predictable, opening doors for quick counters from guys like Adesanya or Strickland. He might look stiff at times, betting on sheer will over polished moves, and he can tire out late. But strategically, he shines by rushing in, clinching, and creating mayhem. That’s what worked in his defenses. Facing a grappler like Chimaev will push his limits, but his strength and defense on the mat could flip the script.

Dricus Du Plessis: What’s Next?

Thinking about where Du Plessis goes from here, it all starts with tonight’s clash against Chimaev at UFC 319. Pull off the win, and he’s looking at three defenses, putting him in elite company like Rich Franklin. That could lead to more rematches with Adesanya or Strickland, or stepping up against newcomers aiming for the throne.To truly own the division, he’ll need to sharpen his speed and endurance while playing to his strengths in power and ground work. As South Africa’s trailblazer in the UFC, he could headline global cards and climb those pound-for-pound lists, maybe hitting No. 4. Sure, tests like Chimaev’s style are tough, but Du Plessis’ fighter spirit points to a bright run through 2026 and further.

Dricus Du Plessis: Next Fight Details

Short FAQs on Dricus Du Plessis

Hey, if you’re looking for quick bites on this UFC champ, here are some snappy answers to the top questions people ask. Kept it real and to the point.

Who’s Dricus Du Plessis and how’d he hit the UFC?

He’s a South African middleweight star, born in ’94. Started in local EFC, won titles there and in KSW, then debuted in UFC in 2020 with a KO. Climbed fast to become champ – total underdog story.

What’s Dricus Du Plessis fighting style? Pros and cons?

Aggressive pressure fighter with heavy strikes and slick subs like guillotines. Strengths: knockout power, grit, adaptability. Weaknesses: can be slow on strikes, tires late. Always exciting, though!

Current record and key wins of Dricus Du Plessis?

23-2, on an 11-win streak. Big ones: KO’d Robert Whittaker, decisioned Sean Strickland for the title, submitted Israel Adesanya, and defended vs. Strickland again in 2025.

DDP net worth?

DDP net worth Estimated over $5M in 2025, up from $300K in 2019. Comes from fight purses, title bonuses, and sponsors like Monster Energy.

Dricus Du Plessis Upcoming fights and future?

Defending tonight (Aug 16, 2025) at UFC 319 vs. Khamzat Chimaev in Chicago. Win could mean more defenses, rematches with Adesanya, or even division dominance into 2026.

DDP Personal life scoop?

From Pretoria, family guy with parents who started him in martial arts. Engaged to Vasti Spiller this year; they’re faith-focused. Gives back to South African kids and reps his roots hard.

Dricus Du Plessis Physical stats and edge?

6’1″, 185 lbs, 76″ reach, switch stance, 43″ leg reach. Helps him strike from distance and bully in clinches – perfect for middleweight chaos.

First South African UFC champ?

Absolutely! Grabbed the belt in 2024, huge pride for his country and a motivator for young fighters there.