Dricus Du Plessis became the first South African champion in UFC history when he claimed the middleweight belt from Sean Strickland at UFC 297, then defended against Israel Adesanya in a fight many considered the most anticipated middleweight matchup in years. His reign ended at UFC 319 in August 2025 when Khamzat Chimaev stopped him to claim the belt.
Du Plessis came up through the South African MMA scene and announced himself to the world with remarkable knockouts of Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker. "Stillknocks" -- a nickname that speaks for itself -- fights with wrestling pressure, physical strength, and a finishing instinct that produces dramatic endings from positions where other fighters would settle for control.
His legacy as the first South African UFC champion is secure. For your kids who dream of representing somewhere the sport hasn't reached yet -- Du Plessis showed that South Africa could produce a world champion. He'll be back in title contention.
- Former UFC Middleweight Champion (UFC 297 through UFC 319)
- First South African UFC champion in history
- KO'd Derek Brunson and Robert Whittaker in the same campaign
- Defended title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
- Lost title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, Aug 2025
- 01Right hand from the outside
- 02Clinch-to-takedown transition
- 03Short right hook in close range
- 04Rear naked choke from back mount
- 05Ground and pound from half guard
Du Plessis proved South Africa could produce a UFC champion. He did it, defended it, and lost to the most dominant wrestler the middleweight division has ever seen. That's not failure. That's a legacy. Great story for the kids about building something from scratch in a place that hadn't done it before.