Dricus du Plessis

Dricus du Plessis Biography

Dricus du Plessis is a renowned South African professional mixed martial artist who has risen to international fame as a UFC Middleweight Champion. Known by his initials DDP, he is celebrated for being the first South African to win a UFC championship, marking a historic milestone in the sport. Competing in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, he is widely recognized for his dynamic fighting style, blending striking and grappling with exceptional skill. As of mid-2025, du Plessis holds a top position in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings, establishing himself as one of the elite fighters globally.

Childhood

Dricus du Plessis was born on January 14, 1994, in Welkom, in the Orange Free State province of South Africa. He is Afrikaner, with family roots tracing back to early Dutch settlers in Southern Africa. Growing up in a supportive family environment, Dricus was nurtured alongside his two older brothers in Pretoria, South Africa. His parents, Japie and Gerda du Plessis, who met while attending school themselves, provided a grounded upbringing. From a young age, du Plessis showed a strong passion for martial arts, alongside enjoying an active childhood playing rugby, a sport deeply embedded in South African culture.

Education

Dricus attended the University of Pretoria, where he pursued studies in agricultural economics. However, his academic journey was interrupted during his final year, as he chose to dedicate himself fully to his burgeoning career in mixed martial arts. Prior to this, Dricus had been training intensively in various disciplines from an early age, starting judo at five, wrestling at twelve, and kickboxing at fourteen. His early martial arts training laid a diverse foundation that enabled him to excel in the multifaceted world of MMA.

Career

Dricus du Plessis’s professional mixed martial arts career began after transitioning from a highly successful stint in kickboxing, where he won a gold medal at the WAKO World Championships at age 17. He debuted in MMA in 2013 and quickly ascended through the ranks by winning championships in notable organizations outside the UFC, including Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) where he was champion in both welterweight and middleweight categories, and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW), where he held the welterweight title.

In 2020, du Plessis made his UFC debut and swiftly demonstrated his prowess by securing knockout victories and accumulating performance bonuses. His notable wins over fighters such as Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Robert Whittaker propelled him to a title eliminator position. He won the UFC Middleweight Championship in January 2024 and as of 2025 maintains his status as a top contender in the division despite occasional injuries and bout rescheduling challenges.

Family Life

Dricus du Plessis is family-oriented and has publicly celebrated important milestones with his loved ones. He is engaged to Vasti Spiller, to whom he proposed on his 31st birthday in January 2025. Raised alongside two elder brothers, Neil and WC du Plessis, family support has been a constant pillar throughout his martial arts career. His parents remain supportive, often attending his fights and sharing in his professional achievements.

Achievements

Dricus has an impressive professional record marked by 22 wins and only 2 losses as of early 2025. His career highlights include winning the UFC Middleweight Championship, becoming the first South African to claim a UFC title. Beyond the UFC, he has also won the EFC welterweight and middleweight championships and held the KSW welterweight title. Earlier in his youth, he was South Africa’s first-ever WAKO World Champion in kickboxing, accruing an exceptional number of knockouts. His relentless performance in the octagon has earned him multiple "Performance of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" bonuses, underscoring his status as a top-tier martial artist.

Controversies

While Dricus du Plessis has largely maintained a professional reputation, his career has faced some typical obstacles such as visa issues and injuries that have led to fight cancellations and rescheduling. These challenges have sometimes disrupted his fight plans but have not caused any notable personal controversies or disciplinary issues. His decision to pull out of a high-profile title fight due to a leg injury was met with understanding from the MMA community, reinforcing his commitment to competing at his best condition.

Dricus du Plessis Summary

Dricus du Plessis is a standout South African mixed martial artist whose career reflects a journey of early dedication, diverse martial arts training, and significant professional success. From his roots in Welkom and Pretoria, through his academic pursuits and onto the global stage of the UFC, he has become an inspirational figure. His achievements as a multi-division champion and his rise in the UFC rankings mark him as one of the leading fighters in modern MMA. Known for his technical skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, du Plessis continues to represent South Africa with pride while aiming to cement his legacy in the annals of mixed martial arts history.