Dricus Du Plessis
23-3-0
Middleweight
About
Former UFC middleweight champion 'Stillknocks,' the awkward, relentless South African who beat the division's best.
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Dricus du Plessis is a former UFC middleweight champion and the first South African to hold a UFC title, a fighter whose unorthodox, relentless style baffles opponents even as it bewilders fans. His strikes come from strange angles, his pace never lets up, and behind the awkwardness is a serious grappler with championship-level cardio.
He authored one of the best runs in division history - beating Robert Whittaker, submitting Israel Adesanya and defeating Sean Strickland twice - before losing the belt to the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev in 2025. 'Stillknocks' is genuinely polarizing: detractors mock his awkward look and his trash talk, while admirers point to a resume of wins over legends that speaks for itself.
Why fans love Du Plessis
His unorthodox, never-stop pressure and a resume of wins over legends make him a uniquely effective and entertaining champion.
Why some fans hate Du Plessis
His ugly-looking, awkward style and brash beef with Adesanya and Strickland (including the 'real African champion' jab) divide fans.
