Dricus Du Plessis has emerged as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC, making history as the first South African to capture a UFC championship. Known for his relentless fighting style and knockout power, Du Plessis—nicknamed “Stillknocks”—has quickly become a fan favorite. Here’s a deep dive into his personal life, career, earnings, endorsements, and more.
Dricus Du Plessis’ Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Dricus du Plessis |
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Date of Birth | January 14, 1994 |
| Age | 31 years |
| Place of Birth | Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Religion | Christian |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) – Middleweight |
| College | University of Pretoria |
| Turned Pro | 2013 |
| Net Worth | $1–2 million |
| Salary (Base UFC) | $800,000 per fight as champion |
| Spouse | Engaged to Vasti Spiller |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @dricusduplessis |
Early Career
Dricus du Plessis began his martial arts journey at a young age in Pretoria, South Africa. He started with judo at five, moved to wrestling at twelve, and then transitioned to kickboxing at fourteen. In 2012, he made history as South Africa’s first WAKO World Championships medalist, winning gold in K-1 kickboxing.
Realizing the limited financial prospects in kickboxing, he shifted his focus to MMA, making his professional debut in 2013 after a brief amateur stint.
Professional Career
Du Plessis quickly made a name for himself in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), capturing both the welterweight and middleweight titles. He also competed in Poland’s KSW, where he won the welterweight championship.
His relentless style and finishing ability caught the attention of the UFC, where he debuted in 2020. Since joining the UFC, Du Plessis has defeated top contenders like Robert Whittaker, Darren Till, and Sean Strickland, eventually claiming the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2024. As of mid-2025, he remains undefeated in the UFC and is recognized among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world.
Engaged
Dricus du Plessis is engaged to Vasti Spiller, a photographer, children’s book author, and boxing coach. The couple got engaged during Du Plessis’ 31st birthday celebration in January 2025. They do not have children yet.
Dricus Du Plessis’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Dricus du Plessis’ net worth is estimated between $1–2 million. His income comes from fight purses, pay-per-view shares, and endorsements.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Base Salary | Win Bonus | PPV/Sponsorship | Total Payout |
| UFC 312 (Feb 2025) | Sean Strickland | $1,200,000 | – | $442,000 | $2,142,000 |
| UFC 305 (Aug 2024) | Israel Adesanya | $800,000 | $800,000 | $400,000 | $2,000,000+ |
| UFC 297 (Jan 2024) | Sean Strickland | $300,000 | $300,000 | $32,000 | $632,000 |
| UFC Debut (2020) | Markus Perez | $16,000 | $16,000 | $4,000 | $36,000 |
Endorsements
- Aldo (Footwear)
- Knox Hydrate (Beverage)
- LekkeSlaap (Travel/Accommodation)
- Betway (Sportsbook/Ambassador)
- Old School (Apparel/Supporter Gear)
- Stillknocks (Personal Apparel Brand)
- Checkers (Retailer collaboration for limited-edition shirts and hydration drinks)
Career Records
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event |
| Feb 8, 2025 | Sean Strickland | Win (Unanimous) | Decision | UFC 312 |
| Aug 17, 2024 | Israel Adesanya | Win | Submission (R4) | UFC 305 |
| Jan 20, 2024 | Sean Strickland | Win (Split) | Decision | UFC 297 |
| Jul 8, 2023 | Robert Whittaker | Win | KO/TKO (R2) | UFC 290 |
| Mar 4, 2023 | Derek Brunson | Win | KO/TKO (R2) | UFC 285 |
| Dec 10, 2022 | Darren Till | Win | Submission (R3) | UFC 282 |
| Jul 2, 2022 | Brad Tavares | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 276 |
| Jul 10, 2021 | Trevin Giles | Win | KO/TKO (R2) | UFC 264 |
| Oct 10, 2020 | Markus Perez | Win | KO/TKO (R1) | UFC Fight Night |
| Oct 6, 2018 | Roberto Soldić | Win | KO/TKO (R3) | KSW 45 |
FAQs
1. Who is Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis is a South African professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in the UFC Middleweight division, where he is the reigning UFC Middleweight Champion and the first South African to win a UFC title.
2. What is Dricus Du Plessis’ fighting background?
He began training in judo at age five, later adding wrestling and kickboxing, where he became South Africa’s first WAKO World Championships gold medalist in K-1 style kickboxing before transitioning to MMA.
3. What are Dricus Du Plessis’ major MMA achievements?
He is a former EFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion, former KSW Welterweight Champion, and the current UFC Middleweight Champion, with multiple title defenses and an 11-fight win streak in professional MMA.
4. What is Dricus Du Plessis’ fighting style?
He fights from an orthodox stance, known for constant forward pressure, high striking volume, and unorthodox movement, blending striking with aggressive grappling and frequent submissions.
5. What is his record for finishes in MMA?
Du Plessis is a prolific finisher, with 20 of his 23 wins coming by stoppage—11 by submission and 9 by knockout or technical knockout.
6. What is Dricus Du Plessis’ heritage and native language?
He is Afrikaner, with Huguenot ancestry, and Afrikaans is his mother tongue. He also speaks English and some Zulu, reflecting South Africa’s multicultural heritage.
7. What notable surgeries or challenges has he faced?
He overcame a long-standing breathing impairment by undergoing surgery, demonstrating resilience and determination in his career.
8. What are his business ventures outside MMA?
Du Plessis is an entrepreneur, having founded Stillknocks Meat Co., showcasing interests beyond fighting.
9. Who are his MMA inspirations or favorite fighters?
He cites Jon Jones, Conor McGregor, Mirko Cro Cop, Anderson Silva, and Gilbert Burns as his greatest UFC fighters, drawing inspiration from their achievements and work ethic.
10. What is the significance of his phrase “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie”?
The phrase, meaning “They don’t know what we know,” became a rallying cry in South Africa, notably during the Springboks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign, symbolizing national pride and unity.