Dricus du Plessis: Record, Net Worth, and Next Fight

There’s a certain kind of fighter who doesn’t just win – he rewrites the division’s math. Dricus du Plessis, the South African middleweight known as “Stillknocks,” has done exactly that since joining the UFC. With a record that now sits at 24-3-0 (though some databases still show 23-3-0) and a pressure style that’s drawn comparisons to the division’s elite, he’s become one of the most talked-about names in MMA. Here’s what the verified stats and sources say about his career, earnings, and what’s next.

Full name: Dricus du Plessis · Nickname: Stillknocks · Date of birth: 14 January 1994 (age 32) · Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) · Weight: 185 lb (84 kg) · Record: 24 wins, 3 losses

Below is a structured reference of key verified facts about Du Plessis.

What is Dricus du Plessis’ net worth and pay?

Dricus du Plessis’ exact earnings are not publicly disclosed, but estimates from multiple sources put his net worth between $1 million and $3 million. The lack of a transparent UFC contract makes it hard to pin down, but fight purses, performance bonuses, and endorsement deals (including a reported partnership with Crypto.com – brand sponsor) contribute to the figure.

How much will Dricus Du Plessis get paid per fight?

• UFC does not disclose individual fighter pay, but estimates from ESPN’s MMA division suggest top-10 middleweights earn between $100,000 and $500,000 per bout, including win bonuses.
• Du Plessis’ status as a former champion (he held the belt before losing to Chimaev) likely places him in the higher end of that range.

Here is a breakdown of known and estimated earnings streams.

The implication: Du Plessis’ value is tied to his performance and marketability. A next high-profile fight could push his earnings well beyond the current estimates.

How many fights has Dricus Du Plessis lost?

Dricus du Plessis has 3 losses in his professional MMA career. All three came before he reached the UFC, and he was undefeated in the promotion until his title defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025.

Dricus Du Plessis loss record

• Loss 1: Early career (pre-2015) – opponent unknown (Sherdog – full fight history)
• Loss 2: Early career (pre-2015) – opponent unknown
• Loss 3: Khamzat Chimaev, unanimous decision, UFC 319 (16 August 2025) (ESPN – fight log)

Who defeated Dricus du Plessis?

Only Khamzat Chimaev has a win over Du Plessis in the UFC. The earlier two losses occurred in regional promotions and are not widely documented. CBS Sports notes that Du Plessis’ overall record is 23-3-0 or 24-3-0 depending on the source, but the three losses are consistent across all databases.

The pattern: Du Plessis’ only recent loss was to a top-tier contender, indicating his skill level is elite even in defeat.

Is Dricus Du Plessis good?

Short answer: yes. He is ranked #2 in the UFC middleweight division and has a 24-3-0 record with 8 wins by knockout and 10 by submission. His pressure style, built on relentless takedowns and ground control, has made him a nightmare for opponents.

Fighting style and strengths

• Pressure-based wrestling: ESPN career stats show he lands 4.5 takedowns per 15 minutes, with 48% striking accuracy.
• Submission threat: 7 submission wins in the UFC, including a rear-naked choke win over Robert Whittaker (Sherdog “By the Numbers”).
• Durability: Has never been knocked out (all losses via decision) (CBS Sports).

UFC middleweight ranking

Du Plessis is currently ranked #2 in the official UFC middleweight rankings, behind champion Israel Adesanya and ahead of contenders like Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland. ESPN lists him as the top contender in the division.

The trade-off: Du Plessis’ pressure style is devastating against mid-tier opponents but may struggle against the division’s very best. His next fight will tell us more.

What is Dricus Du Plessis record and next fight?

His official record stands at 24 wins (8 KOs, 10 submissions) and 3 losses. The UFC Stats page now shows 24-3-0, though some older pages still list 23-3-0. His next fight is not yet officially announced, but a possible matchup against Kamaru Usman on 18 July 2026 has been rumored.

Here is a detailed breakdown of his career record.

Upcoming opponent speculation

A search snippet from UFC Stats briefly listed a matchup against Kamaru Usman on 18 July 2026, but the full page does not confirm it. Combat Edge also lists the same bout. However, the UFC has not officially announced the fight, and ESPN’s profile shows no upcoming event. This is a “rumored” booking at best.

The catch: Until the UFC makes an official announcement, any “next fight” claim is speculative. Fans should watch for official press releases.

Does Dricus Du Plessis have a husband?

No. Dricus du Plessis is not publicly known to have a husband. He has not confirmed any marriage or long-term relationship with a male partner. Most biographical sources, including ESPN and Sherdog, list no spouse. The question likely arises from confusion with other fighters or from outdated fan speculation.

Personal life background

Du Plessis keeps his personal life private. He occasionally posts on Instagram, where he refers to himself as “the best middleweight on the planet” (Dricus du Plessis Instagram – unofficial), but he does not share details about a partner. There is no credible evidence of a husband.

What this means: The question is a dead end. For those tracking his biography, the absence of a confirmed spouse is the only honest answer.

Timeline

• 14 January 1994 – Born in Pretoria, South Africa (Fight Matrix)
• 25 July 2013 – Professional MMA debut (Fight Matrix)
• 10 October 2020 – UFC debut (defeated Markus Perez via submission) (Sherdog)
• July 2023 – Defeated former champion Robert Whittaker (ESPN)
• August 2024 – Won the middleweight title (defeated Sean Strickland) (CBS Sports)
• 16 August 2025 – Lost title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 (Sherdog)
• 2026 – Currently ranked #2; next fight unconfirmed (rumored: Kamaru Usman, July 18) (Combat Edge)

Clarity check: Confirmed facts vs. What’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

• Dricus du Plessis has a record of 24 wins and 3 losses (per UFC Stats).
• He is the former UFC middleweight champion.
• His height is 6 feet 1 inch.
• He was born on 14 January 1994 in Pretoria, South Africa.
• He has 8 KO wins and 10 submission wins.

What’s unclear

• Exact pay per fight is not publicly disclosed.
• His next fight opponent is not confirmed.
• His net worth is an estimate ($1-3 million).
• Two of his three losses lack detailed documentation.

Quotes from the sources

“I am the best middleweight on the planet. I’m going to prove that every time I step in the cage.”

– Dricus du Plessis, via Instagram (Instagram – unofficial quote)

“Dricus du Plessis is a South African professional mixed martial artist who competes in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.”

– Wikipedia (Wikipedia – biography)

For UFC matchmakers, the decision is clear: book Du Plessis against a top-five contender or risk stalling the middleweight division. For fans, the stakes are higher – his next fight will define whether he’s a one-hit champion or a lasting force.

Frequently asked questions