Dricus du Plessis is a famous MMA fighter known for his UFC career. His real name is Dricus du Plessis. In 2026, he is 32 years old. He was born on January 14, 1994, in Welkom, South Africa.
He stands 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighs about 185 pounds. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion. He was the first South African to win a UFC title. His estimated net worth is $3–$5 million in 2026.
He started MMA in 2013 after a kickboxing career. He won gold at the 2012 WAKO World Championships. He trains at CIT MMA in Pretoria. He is known as “Stillknocks.” He is engaged to Vasti Spiller.
Dricus du Plessis Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / Real Name | Dricus du Plessis |
| Stage Name | Dricus du Plessis |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1994 |
| Age in 2026 | 32 |
| Birthplace | Welkom, Orange Free State, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | MMA Fighter |
| Category | MMA Fighter |
| Education | University of Pretoria (dropped out) |
| Partner / Spouse | Vasti Spiller (Fiancée) |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
| Career Start | 2013 |
| Company / Label / Team | CIT MMA |
| Major Works | UFC Middleweight Champion |
| Achievements | First South African UFC Champion |
| Net Worth | $3–$5 million |
| Primary Income Source | UFC, Endorsements |
| Social Media Presence | Instagram, X |
Dricus du Plessis Real Name
Dricus du Plessis was born as Dricus du Plessis. He uses Dricus du Plessis as his fighting name. His full name reflects his Afrikaner heritage. This is confirmed by Wikipedia and UFC records.
Du Plessis is known by the nickname “Stillknocks.” This nickname reflects his knockout power. His initials are DDP. He uses this name in UFC promotions.
Du Plessis was born in Welkom, South Africa. His real name reflects his South African roots. He is proud of his heritage. His name is respected in MMA.
Du Plessis‘s full name is often shortened by fans. His official UFC profile uses Dricus du Plessis. His real name is used in legal documents. His name is synonymous with South African MMA.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dricus du Plessis |
| Nickname | “Stillknocks” |
| Initials | DDP |
| Birthplace | Welkom, South Africa |
Dricus du Plessis Early Life and Education
Dricus du Plessis grew up in Welkom, South Africa. He was born on January 14, 1994. He is an Afrikaner and was raised in Pretoria. He began judo at 5 years old. He played rugby throughout his schooling years.
Du Plessis attended Hoërskool Hartbeespoort. He studied Agricultural Economics at the University of Pretoria. He dropped out in his final year. He left to pursue MMA full-time. His education details are publicly confirmed.
Du Plessis started wrestling at 12 years old. He took up kickboxing at 14. He won gold at the 2012 WAKO Junior World Championships. He was South Africa‘s first medalist at the event. His early life shaped his discipline.
Du Plessis transitioned to MMA after his kickboxing career. He realized there was little money in kickboxing. He began training in mixed martial arts. His early life and education prepared him for the UFC.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Childhood | Judo at 5 years old |
| High School | Hoërskool Hartbeespoort |
| College | University of Pretoria |
| Martial Arts | Kickboxing at 14 |
Dricus du Plessis Parents and Siblings
Dricus du Plessis was born to Gerda du Plessis and his father. His mother is very supportive of his career. She attended his engagement ceremony. His parents raised him in a tight-knit Afrikaner household.
Du Plessis has a brother. His brother gave him his nickname “Stillknocks.” His brother named him after his amateur K-1 career. His brother is important to him. His family is small and close.
Du Plessis‘s father‘s name is not publicly confirmed. His mother‘s name is Gerda du Plessis. She appeared in his engagement photos. His family is private. His family is central to his life.
Du Plessis values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His siblings support his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Gerda du Plessis | Mother |
| Father | Not publicly named |
| Brother | Not publicly named |
Dricus du Plessis Before Fame
Dricus du Plessis had a successful kickboxing career before fame. He compiled a 33-0 amateur K-1 record. He had 30 knockouts. He won gold at the 2012 WAKO Junior World Championships. His kickboxing background prepared him for MMA.
Du Plessis made his professional MMA debut in 2013. He fought at EFC Africa 33. He lost to Garreth McLellan via guillotine choke. This was his first professional loss. He learned from the defeat.
Du Plessis won the EFC Welterweight Championship in 2016. He defeated Martin van Staden via submission. He then won the EFC Middleweight Championship in 2017. He became a two-division champion. He also won the KSW Welterweight title.
Du Plessis signed with the UFC in 2020. He debuted in October 2020. He knocked out Markus Perez in round 1. He earned a Performance of the Night bonus. His before fame story is inspiring.
| Phase | Details |
|---|---|
| Kickboxing | 33-0 amateur record |
| MMA Debut | 2013 |
| EFC Champion | Two-division champion |
| UFC Debut | October 2020 |
Dricus du Plessis Career
Dricus du Plessis began his UFC career in 2020. He knocked out Markus Perez in his debut. He won his first 6 fights in the UFC. He defeated Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. He earned a title shot.
Du Plessis won the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 297 in January 2024. He defeated Sean Strickland via split decision. He became the first South African UFC champion. He defended his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. He won via rear-naked choke.
Du Plessis defended his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February 2025. He won via unanimous decision. He then faced Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025. He lost via unanimous decision. He lost his title in the process.
Du Plessis returned to winning ways in 2026. He defeated Kamaru Usman at UFC Fight Night in July 2026. He won via unanimous decision. He earned between $620,000 and $870,000 for the fight. He remains a top contender in the division. He holds a record of 24-3-0.
| Year | Career / Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2020 | UFC Debut |
| 2023 | Defeated Robert Whittaker |
| 2024 | Won UFC Middleweight Championship |
| 2024 | Defended vs. Israel Adesanya |
| 2025 | Defended vs. Sean Strickland |
| 2025 | Lost Title to Khamzat Chimaev |
| 2026 | Defeated Kamaru Usman |
Dricus du Plessis Family
Dricus du Plessis is a private person. He was raised by his mother, Gerda du Plessis. He has a brother who gave him his nickname. His family is small and close. His family is central to his life.
Du Plessis is engaged to Vasti Spiller. They met in 2022. They got engaged in January 2025. They have no children together. His family life is private.
Du Plessis values his family time. He keeps his family out of the spotlight. His fiancée supports his career. His family is his motivation. His family is central to his life.
Du Plessis focuses on his career and his family. He does not share many details about his personal life. His family is important to him. He keeps his personal life separate from his public life. His family is his priority.
| Family Member | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Gerda du Plessis | Mother |
| Vasti Spiller | Fiancée |
| Brother | Not publicly named |
Dricus du Plessis Wife, Girlfriend, or Partner
Dricus du Plessis is engaged to Vasti Spiller. They met in 2022. They got engaged in January 2025. They shared photos from the ceremony. Their relationship is private.
Du Plessis‘s fiancée, Vasti Spiller, is a boxing coach. She works at CIT Boxing. She also owns a photography business. She is a children’s book author. She supports his career privately.
Du Plessis and Vasti have no children together. They keep their relationship low-key. They live in South Africa. Their relationship is stable. His family is his priority.
Du Plessis values his fiancée‘s privacy. He does not share many details about their relationship. They enjoy their life together. Their relationship is stable. His family is his priority.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Engaged |
| Fiancée | Vasti Spiller |
| Engagement Year | 2025 |
| Children | None publicly confirmed |
Dricus du Plessis Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Dricus du Plessis is 32 years old in 2026. He was born on January 14, 1994. He stands 6 feet 0 inches tall. He weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Du Plessis has dark eyes and dark hair. His reach is 76 inches. He has an orthodox stance. He has a clean-shaven face. He has a fair skin tone.
Du Plessis‘s physique is impressive. He maintains his fitness with intense training. He follows a strict diet and workout plan. His fitness is a key part of his success. He is a physical specimen.
Du Plessis trains at CIT MMA in Pretoria. He follows a disciplined regimen. His fitness is a key part of his brand. He is a physical specimen. He inspires others with his dedication.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | 185 pounds (84 kg) |
| Reach | 76 inches (193 cm) |
| Eye Color | Dark |
| Hair Color | Dark |
| Body Type | Muscular / Athletic |
| Stance | Orthodox |
Dricus du Plessis Social Media Presence
Dricus du Plessis is active on Instagram and X. His Instagram handle is @dricusduplessis. He shares training videos and fight promos. He posts photos with his fiancée. His Instagram is his primary platform.
Du Plessis uses social media to connect with fans. He posts motivational content. He shares updates about his fights. He also shares words of wisdom. His social media is authentic.
Du Plessis‘s social media following is significant. He has over 500,000 Instagram followers. He uses his platform to promote his fights. He also shares insights into his training. His social media is impactful.
Du Plessis does not engage in online drama. He keeps his posts positive and motivational. He uses social media to promote his projects. His presence is professional. He values his online community.
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| @dricusduplessis | |
| X | @DricusduPlessis |
Dricus du Plessis Awards and Achievements
Dricus du Plessis has many MMA achievements. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion. He was the first South African to win a UFC title. He defended his title 2 times. He earned multiple Fight and Performance of the Night bonuses.
Du Plessis was named the 2024 International Fighter of the Year by the World MMA Awards. He won the 2012 WAKO Junior World Championships. He became South Africa’s first medalist at the event. His achievements are historic.
Du Plessis holds a professional record of 24-3-0. He has 9 wins by knockout. He has 11 wins by submission. He has 8 first-round finishes. His finish rate is 83.3%. His achievements are impressive.
Du Plessis continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a title loss. He returned to win fights. He plans to continue his career. His achievements are impressive. He is a true warrior.
| Category | Year(s) | Award / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Middleweight Championship | 2024–2025 | Champion |
| UFC Title Defenses | 2024–2025 | 2 |
| World MMA Awards | 2024 | International Fighter of the Year |
| WAKO World Championships | 2012 | Gold Medal |
Dricus du Plessis Net Worth
Dricus du Plessis has an estimated net worth of $3–$5 million in 2026. His wealth comes from UFC earnings, endorsements, and appearances. His income is driven by pay-per-view appearances and fight purses. His net worth is well-documented.
Du Plessis earns from UFC fights. He earned between $620,000 and $870,000 for his fight against Kamaru Usman. He earned $400,000 in pay-per-view bonuses during his title reign. He also earns from performance bonuses. His most lucrative fight was against Khamzat Chimaev.
Du Plessis supplements his income with sponsorships. He signed a landmark deal with Newcastle United through his brand Knox. The deal is reportedly worth R400 million. He also earns from appearances. His primary income is from fighting.
Du Plessis lives in Pretoria, South Africa. He owns property in the area. His assets include investments and real estate. His net worth is estimated by Celebrity Net Worth. He is financially secure. His wealth reflects his success.
| Income Source | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC | Fight purses and bonuses |
| Endorsements | Knox, Newcastle United |
| Appearances | Interviews and events |
| Real Estate | Pretoria, South Africa |
Dricus du Plessis Nationality and Religion
Dricus du Plessis is a South African national. He was born in Welkom, South Africa. He represents South Africa in MMA. He is proud of his Afrikaner heritage. His nationality is South African.
Du Plessis‘s religion is not widely publicized. He does not discuss his faith publicly. His religious beliefs are private. He focuses on his family and career. His religion is personal to him.
Du Plessis has South African roots. He is proud of his heritage. He carries the South African flag to his fights. He honors his home country. His heritage is important to him.
Du Plessis speaks Afrikaans and English. He has a connection to his South African roots. His nationality is South African. His religion is private. His heritage is diverse.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | South African |
| Religion | Not publicly confirmed |
| Heritage | Afrikaner |
| Languages | Afrikaans, English |
Dricus du Plessis Public Image
Dricus du Plessis has a positive public image. He is known as a resilient and exciting fighter. He is respected for his comeback story. He is popular among UFC fans. His public image is authentic.
Du Plessis is often praised for his unorthodox fighting style. He is known for his high-pressure striking and psychological tactics. He is considered one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. He has a high finish rate. His public image is that of a warrior.
Du Plessis is open about his career struggles. He speaks publicly about his title loss. He uses his platform to inspire others. He is seen as a genuine person. His public image is positive and inspiring.
Du Plessis handles setbacks with grace. He rejected reports that he was done after his title loss. He returned to win fights. He is committed to his career. His public image is strong. He is a true professional.
| Phase | Public Image |
|---|---|
| 2020–2023 | Rising Contender |
| 2024–2025 | Dominant Champion |
| 2025–2026 | Resilient Veteran |
Dricus du Plessis Legacy and Impact
Dricus du Plessis has a lasting legacy in MMA. He is considered one of the greatest South African fighters of all time. He was the first South African to win a UFC title. He defended his title 2 times. His legacy is secure.
Du Plessis‘s impact goes beyond his record. He inspired South African fighters to pursue MMA. He showed that unorthodox styles can win titles. He proved that hard work and dedication pay off. His impact is generational.
Du Plessis holds the record for most UFC Middleweight title defenses by a South African. He earned multiple post-fight bonuses. He was named the 2024 International Fighter of the Year. His legacy is defined by his resilience. He is a true champion.
Du Plessis continues to inspire fans with his journey. He overcame a title loss. He returned to win fights. He plans to continue his career. His legacy is still being written. He is a true warrior.
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| South African MMA | Pioneer |
| First UFC Champion | First South African |
| Inspiration | South African fighters |
| Resilience | Comeback story |
Dricus du Plessis Future Plans and Goals
Dricus du Plessis plans to continue his UFC career. He wants to regain the UFC Middleweight title. He is focused on his next fight. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. His future is planned.
Du Plessis returned to training after his 2025 loss. He defeated Kamaru Usman in July 2026. He is focused on his next fight. He wants to climb the rankings. He is focused on his career.
Du Plessis wants to fight for many more years. He is 32 years old and still competitive. He wants to leave a lasting legacy. He wants to inspire others. His goals are clear.
Du Plessis wants to inspire others with his journey. He wants to show that age is not a barrier. He plans to continue his charity work. He wants to enjoy his life with Vasti. His future is exciting. He is at peace.
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| UFC Career | Continue fighting |
| Championship | Regain UFC Middleweight title |
| Legacy | Inspire others |
| Charity | Youth sports development |
Dricus du Plessis Championships and Achievements
| Championship | Times | Years |
|---|---|---|
| UFC Middleweight Championship | 1 | 2024–2025 |
| UFC Title Defenses | 2 | 2024–2025 |
| EFC Welterweight Championship | 1 | 2016–2018 |
| EFC Middleweight Championship | 1 | 2017–2019 |
| KSW Welterweight Championship | 1 | 2018–2019 |
| WAKO World Championship | 1 | 2012 |
Dricus du Plessis Matches List
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Garreth McLellan – 2013 (Loss)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Markus Perez – 2020 (UFC Debut)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Trevin Giles – 2021 (Win)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Brad Tavares – 2022 (Win)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Darren Till – 2022 (Win)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Derek Brunson – 2023 (Win)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Robert Whittaker – 2023 (Win)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland – 2024 (Won UFC Title)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya – 2024 (Title Defense)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland – 2025 (Title Defense)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev – 2025 (Lost Title)
- Dricus du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman – 2026 (Win)
Dricus du Plessis Hobbies
- Training in MMA
- Playing rugby
- Watching sports
- Spending time with fiancée
- Fishing
- Cooking
- Traveling
- Watching documentaries
- Playing basketball
- Reading
Dricus du Plessis Favorite Things
- Favorite Food: South African cuisine
- Favorite Movie: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Fighter: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Color: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Music: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Sport: MMA
- Favorite Place: South Africa
- Favorite Quote: Not publicly confirmed
- Favorite Team: Springboks
Dricus du Plessis Lesser-Known Facts
| Fact No. | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | He began judo at 5 years old. |
| 2 | He started wrestling at 12. |
| 3 | He took up kickboxing at 14. |
| 4 | He won gold at the 2012 WAKO Junior World Championships. |
| 5 | He was South Africa’s first medalist at the event. |
| 6 | He had a 33-0 amateur K-1 record. |
| 7 | He had 30 knockouts in his amateur career. |
| 8 | His brother gave him his nickname “Stillknocks.” |
| 9 | He dropped out of university in his final year. |
| 10 | He studied Agricultural Economics at UP. |
| 11 | He played rugby throughout his schooling years. |
| 12 | He lost his first professional fight to Garreth McLellan. |
| 13 | He won the EFC Welterweight and Middleweight titles. |
| 14 | He also won the KSW Welterweight title. |
| 15 | He was the first South African UFC champion. |
| 16 | He was named the 2024 International Fighter of the Year. |
| 17 | He met his fiancée Vasti Spiller in 2022. |
| 18 | He plans to regain the UFC Middleweight title. |
FAQs
Q1: What is Dricus du Plessis’s net worth in 2026?
Dricus du Plessis‘s net worth is estimated at $3–$5 million in 2026. His income comes from UFC, endorsements, and appearances. He earned over $1 million from his title fights.
Q2: How old is Dricus du Plessis in 2026?
Dricus du Plessis is 32 years old in 2026. He was born on January 14, 1994. His birthday has already passed this year.
Q3: What is Dricus du Plessis’s height and weight?
Dricus du Plessis is 6 feet 0 inches tall. He weighs about 185 pounds. He has a muscular and athletic build.
Q4: Is Dricus du Plessis married?
Dricus du Plessis is not married. He is engaged to Vasti Spiller. They got engaged in January 2025. They have no children together.
Q5: Did Dricus du Plessis ever win a UFC title?
Yes, Dricus du Plessis was the UFC Middleweight Champion from 2024 to 2025. He defended his title 2 times. He was the first South African to win a UFC title.
Q6: What is Dricus du Plessis’s real name?
His real name is Dricus du Plessis. He uses Dricus du Plessis as his fighting name. He is known as “Stillknocks.”
Q7: Is Dricus du Plessis still fighting?
Yes, Dricus du Plessis is still fighting in 2026. He defeated Kamaru Usman in July 2026. He plans to regain the UFC Middleweight title.
Conclusion
Dricus du Plessis is a South African MMA legend. His real name is Dricus du Plessis. In 2026, he is 32 years old. He was born on January 14, 1994, in Welkom, South Africa. He stands 6 feet 0 inches and weighs 185 pounds.
He started his MMA career in 2013. He won the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2024. He defended his title 2 times. He trains at CIT MMA in Pretoria. His net worth is $3–$5 million in 2026. He is engaged to Vasti Spiller.
He holds a professional record of 24-3-0. He plans to regain the UFC Middleweight title. He continues to inspire fans with his resilience. His legacy is secure as a global icon.
This mirrors the inspirational and detailed structure of the previous profiles, highlighting Dricus du Plessis‘s journey from Welkom, South Africa to UFC middleweight glory.
