Dricus Du Plessis – Biography, Record and Next Fight

Dricus du Plessis, the South African former UFC Middleweight champion, is preparing for a high-stakes return to the octagon. After losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025, du Plessis is now set to face former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a pivotal matchup. With a professional record of 23 wins and 3 losses, the fighter known as “Stillknocks” remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the division.

Born in Pretoria on January 14, 1994, du Plessis built his reputation on relentless pressure, powerful striking, and a deep grappling arsenal. He became the first South African-born fighter to win a UFC title when he defeated Sean Strickland in February 2024. That victory capped an 11-fight win streak that announced his arrival among the sport’s elite.

Now ranked number two in the UFC Middleweight division, du Plessis fights out of Team CIT MMA in Pretoria under head coach Morne Visser. His upcoming bout against Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City represents a crucial step in his quest to reclaim championship gold.

What Is Dricus Du Plessis’s Next Fight?

Dricus du Plessis’s next fight is booked against Kamaru Usman. The event, UFC Fight Night: Du Plessis vs. Usman, takes place on July 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and will be broadcast on Paramount+. Usman, a former UFC welterweight champion with a 21–4 record, moves up to middleweight for this contest.

• Du Plessis is a former UFC Middleweight champion who lost the belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
• He holds a 23–3 professional record with 20 wins by knockout or submission.
• His next opponent, Kamaru Usman, is a former long-reigning welterweight champion moving up in weight.
• Du Plessis trains at Team CIT MMA in Pretoria under head coach Morne Visser.
• He is currently ranked number two in the UFC Middleweight division.
• Eighty-seven percent of his wins end before the final bell, including eight first-round finishes.

What Is Dricus Du Plessis’s Professional MMA Record?

According to official UFC statistics, Dricus du Plessis holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 23 wins and 3 losses. Nine of those wins came by knockout, 11 by submission, and 3 by decision. His most recent loss was a unanimous decision defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, a fight in which he lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.

How Does His Record Break Down?

Du Plessis’s finishing rate is among the highest in the division. He has finished 20 of his 23 wins before the final bell, a rate of approximately 87 percent. Eight of those finishes occurred in the first round. His notable victories include a unanimous decision win over Sean Strickland at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025, where he retained his title, and a knockout of Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 on July 9, 2023.

What Are His Official UFC Statistics?

Du Plessis lands 5.18 significant strikes per minute, well above the division average of 2.94. His striking accuracy sits between 48 and 49 percent, slightly above the middleweight average of 45 percent. Defensively, he absorbs 4.33 significant strikes per minute and defends 52 percent of opponent strikes. He averages 2.22 takedowns per 15 minutes with a takedown defense rate of 34 percent. His average fight time is 14 minutes and 53 seconds.

Who Is Dricus du Plessis’s Coach and Partner?

Who Trains Dricus du Plessis?

Du Plessis trains at Team CIT MMA, also listed as Team CIT, in Pretoria, South Africa. His head coach is Morne Visser. The team has been central to his development from a regional champion in South Africa to a UFC titleholder. Before joining the UFC, du Plessis won championships in EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship), KSW, and WAKO K-1.

Is Dricus du Plessis in a Relationship?

Dricus du Plessis keeps his personal life private. No credible source confirms a public partner, spouse, girlfriend, or wife. Search results from official UFC profiles, sports databases, and biographical sources do not mention a partner.

Where Is Dricus du Plessis From?

Du Plessis was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and continues to fight out of that city. He is South African and represents the nation in the UFC. He became the first South African-born fighter to win a UFC championship when he defeated Sean Strickland in 2024.

How Did Dricus du Plessis Perform in His Last Fight?

Dricus du Plessis last fought at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, against Khamzat Chimaev. He lost the UFC Middleweight Championship via unanimous decision. The fight marked the end of an 11-fight winning streak that had established him as one of the division’s top competitors.

Before that defeat, du Plessis had successfully defended his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 on February 8, 2025. That fight went the distance, with du Plessis winning by unanimous decision. Earlier in his championship run, he had knocked out Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023 and won the vacant title by defeating Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024.

What Are the Key Milestones in Dricus du Plessis’s Career?

1. 2013: Professional MMA debut in EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) in South Africa.
2. 2017: Wins the EFC Welterweight Championship.
3. 2020: UFC debut on October 11 with a win.
4. 2021–2022: Wins against Trevin Giles, Andre Muniz, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till.
5. 2023: Knockout win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July.
6. 2024: Defeats Sean Strickland at UFC 297 (January) to win the UFC Middleweight Championship.
7. 2025: Retains title against Strickland at UFC 312 (February) via unanimous decision.
8. 2025: Loses UFC Middleweight Championship to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 (August) via unanimous decision.
9. 2026: Next fight scheduled against Kamaru Usman on July 18 in Oklahoma City.

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain About Dricus du Plessis?

How Did Dricus du Plessis Rise to Become a UFC Champion?

Du Plessis built his career through regional promotions before joining the UFC. He won the EFC Welterweight and Middleweight championships, the KSW Welterweight championship, and the WAKO K-1 World Championship. These titles established his reputation as a versatile and durable fighter.

His fighting style combines aggressive pressure with powerful striking and high-level grappling. He became the first South African-born UFC champion after defeating Sean Strickland. The win was controversial because it came via TKO after an accidental clash of heads caused a cut, but the result stood. Du Plessis later defeated Strickland again in a clearer unanimous decision victory.

He has publicly called for a fight against Israel Adesanya, a potential matchup that would draw significant attention. However, no such fight has been officially booked.

What Has Dricus du Plessis Said About His Career?

“I am the best in the world. I proved it that night.”

Dricus du Plessis, post-fight interview after UFC 297 win, via UFC.com

“He’s a tough guy, very strong. I had to dig deep.”

Dricus du Plessis on Sean Strickland, ESPN interview

What Is the Outlook for Dricus du Plessis?

Dricus du Plessis faces Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026, in a fight that will determine his path back to championship contention. A win could position him for a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev or a fight against another top contender such as Israel Adesanya. He remains ranked number two in the division and is expected to challenge for the title again if he secures a victory. For broader South African sports context, see Wales vs South Africa – Record 73-0 Defeat and Head-to-Head History. For another athlete biography, read Mark Cavendish – Net Worth, Wife, Children and Career.

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