Dricus Du Plessis, the South African mixed martial artist known as “Stillknocks,” recently lost his UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025. With a professional record of 24-3, the former champion’s next move remains unconfirmed, though speculation links him to potential matchups against top contenders like Kamaru Usman.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s next fight?
Former UFC Middleweight Champion
24 wins, 3 losses
Not yet announced
6’1″ (185 cm) / 185 lbs (84 kg)
- Du Plessis became UFC middleweight champion in January 2024 by defeating Sean Strickland.
- He holds a 24-3 record with 9 wins by knockout and 11 by submission, according to UFC.com.
- His next fight is unconfirmed; one source from July 2026 states he was not currently booked for a bout.
- At 32 years old, he has not lost a fight between 2018 and his title defeat to Chimaev.
- His fighting style is characterized by high volume and durability.
- He has twice defeated Sean Strickland, first by split decision to win the title and later by unanimous decision in a rematch.
- Speculation about future opponents includes Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev, though no official announcement has been made.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dricus Du Plessis |
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Date of Birth | Not publicly listed in sources |
| Age | Approximately 32 |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lbs (84 kg) |
| Reach | 76 inches (193 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| UFC Debut | October 10, 2020 |
| Record | 24-3-0 |
| Championship | Former UFC Middleweight Champion |
According to official records from UFC.com, Du Plessis has a strong finishing record with 9 knockout wins and 11 submission wins. His UFC-only record stands at 10-1-0, as tracked by Roster Watch and FightMatrix. His most recent recorded result is a loss to Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s MMA record?
Du Plessis’s professional MMA record stands at 24 wins and 3 losses, according to sources such as ESPN, CBS Sports, and UFC Stats. His UFC record is 10-1, with the sole defeat coming against Chimaev. He won the middleweight title from Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024 and successfully defended it against Israel Adesanya and then Strickland again at UFC 312, before losing the belt.
After two title defenses, Du Plessis was one win away from becoming the fourth middleweight in UFC history to defend the belt three times, according to one UFC article.
His career includes a period of dominance in the middleweight division. The sources show that he has fought twice against Sean Strickland, winning both bouts. The first, at UFC 297, was a split decision that made him champion. The second, at UFC 312, was a unanimous decision victory to retain the title. Both results are recorded by ESPN’s fight history.
ESPN and UFC records indicate Du Plessis tends to win competitive five-round decisions against elite middleweight opponents, a pattern consistent with his recent title fights.
Key Fight Results
- Sean Strickland (UFC 297): Win by split decision, won title.
- Sean Strickland (UFC 312): Win by unanimous decision, retained title.
- Khamzat Chimaev (UFC 319): Loss by unanimous decision, lost title.
One source from July 2026 mentions a win over Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision, but this result is not corroborated by the more authoritative sources in the set, such as ESPN, UFC Stats, or CBS Sports. Therefore, that information remains uncertain.
How does Dricus Du Plessis compare to other top middleweights?
Performance Against Sean Strickland
Du Plessis has a clear edge over Sean Strickland, having defeated him twice. The first fight was a closely contested split decision, while the rematch saw Du Plessis win more convincingly by unanimous decision. These results established him as a top-tier fighter in the division.
Potential Matchup with Kamaru Usman
There is no confirmed fight between Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman. One uncorroborated source from July 2026 claims a win for Du Plessis over Usman, but this is not reflected in any official records. Any potential matchup remains speculative at this time.
Confrontation with Khamzat Chimaev
The fight between Du Plessis and Chimaev did take place at UFC 319. Chimaev won by unanimous decision and became the new middleweight champion. This result is well-documented across authoritative sources including ESPN, CBS Sports, and UFC Stats.
One 2026 source claims a win for Du Plessis over Kamaru Usman, but this is not supported by ESPN, UFC.com, UFC Stats, or CBS Sports. Treat this as unconfirmed.
Who is Dricus Du Plessis? (Background and Personal Life)
Dricus Du Plessis is a South African mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC’s middleweight division. He is known by the nickname “Stillknocks.” He built his reputation on finishing ability and a strong UFC run, according to his Tapology profile.
Sources do not provide details about his wife or partner. Information about his personal life is limited in the provided research. His height is listed at 6’1″ (185 cm) and his reach at 76 inches. He made his UFC debut on October 10, 2020, according to FightMatrix. Du Plessis was previously a champion in the KSW organization before joining the UFC.
Career Timeline
- 2013: Professional MMA debut (exact date not specified in sources).
- Pre-2020: Competes in KSW and EFC, winning titles.
- October 10, 2020: UFC debut.
- January 2024 (UFC 297): Defeats Sean Strickland by split decision to win UFC middleweight title.
- 2024: Defends title against Israel Adesanya.
- February 2025 (UFC 312): Defeats Sean Strickland by unanimous decision in rematch.
- August 16, 2025 (UFC 319): Loses title to Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision.
What is Certain and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Record is 24-3 (based on authoritative sources). | Next opponent and fight date are not announced. |
| Former UFC middleweight champion. | A potential win over Kamaru Usman is uncorroborated. |
| Defeated Sean Strickland twice. | Whether he will rematch Chimaev is unknown. |
| Lost title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. | Exact personal details like wife’s name are not in sources. |
What is the Background and Meaning of His Career?
Du Plessis’s rise from the South African and European MMA circuits to the top of the UFC middleweight division is a core part of his story. He was a champion in KSW, a major European promotion, before signing with the UFC. His fighting style is built on pressure, durability, and boxing, with a notable ability to finish fights. A UFC.com article noted his finishing ability, citing 11 submission wins and 9 knockout wins. The sources do not provide detailed analysis of his weaknesses, but his striking defense was noted in the plan as being around 54%.
Sources and Quotes
The information presented in this article is drawn from official UFC statistics, ESPN sports data, CBS Sports fighter profiles, and reputable MMA databases. No direct quotes from Du Plessis, Joe Rogan, or Dana White were available in the provided research materials.
After two title defenses he was one win away from becoming the fourth middleweight in UFC history to defend the belt three times.
– UFC.com article on Dricus Du Plessis
Summary: What’s Next for Dricus Du Plessis?
Following his title loss to Khamzat Chimaev, Dricus Du Plessis is without a confirmed next fight. He remains a top contender in the middleweight division, and a potential rematch with Chimaev or a fight against Kamaru Usman are possibilities. Any official announcement would come from the UFC or credible MMA reporters. For more on combat sports athletes, read the profile on Bret Hart – Biography, Net Worth, and the Montreal Screwjob.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Dricus Du Plessis?
He is listed at 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s net worth?
His net worth is not disclosed in the provided sources.
Does Dricus Du Plessis have a nickname?
Yes, his nickname is “Stillknocks.”
Where does Dricus Du Plessis train?
The sources do not specify his training camp or gym.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s fighting style?
He is a pressure fighter with good durability and boxing, known for finishing ability with 9 KOs and 11 submissions.
Who did Dricus Du Plessis lose to in the UFC?
He lost to Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision at UFC 319 in August 2025.
How many title defenses did Dricus Du Plessis have?
He had two successful title defenses, against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland.
Is Dricus Du Plessis still champion?
No, he lost the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
What organizations did Dricus Du Plessis fight for before the UFC?
He fought for EFC and KSW, winning titles in both organizations.
What is Dricus Du Plessis’s UFC record?
His record in the UFC is 10 wins and 1 loss, according to official tracking sources.
Sophie Kendall is Culture & Communities Editor at RegionalReport.co.uk, covering community stories, arts, culture, festivals, local events and heritage.