Dricus Du Plessis Stillknocks

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Fighter bio

Dricus du Plessis, nicknamed “Stillknocks”, is a South African mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter competing in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on January 14, 1994 in Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa, he began his training in judo in 1999, then in wrestling in 2006, before turning to kickboxing in 2009, where he earned a second-degree black belt.

Du Plessis began his professional MMA career in 2013. After amassing an impressive record on the African circuit, he joined the UFC in 2020. Since then, he has strung together several notable victories, including against Robert Whittaker in July 2023 by second-round KO, and against Derek Brunson in March 2023 by technical knockout.

On August 17, 2024, at UFC 305, du Plessis won the middleweight title by defeating Israel Adesanya by submission in the fourth round. He successfully defended his title on February 8, 2025 at UFC 312, winning a unanimous decision over Sean Strickland.

Outside the octagon, Dricus du Plessis is known for his Christian faith and the values instilled by his family, particularly his father, Japie du Plessis, who taught him the importance of discipline, integrity and compassion. He is also known to be discreet about his private life, and no public information is available about a possible romantic relationship.

Du Plessis continues to proudly represent South Africa on the international MMA scene, cementing his reputation as one of the best fighters in his class.