Dricus du Plessis: The South African Sensation Takes UFC by Storm
In a historic moment for South African sports, Dricus du Plessis emerged victorious against Sean Strickland to become the UFC Middleweight Champion. Born on January 14, 1994, in Welkom, South Africa, du Plessis has etched his name in the annals of mixed martial arts history, not only as a champion but also as the first South African to claim a UFC championship.
A Journey Rooted in Discipline and Determination
Du Plessis, an Afrikaner, embarked on his martial arts journey early in life. His training regimen began with judo at the age of five, followed by wrestling at twelve, and kickboxing at fourteen. At 17, he clinched gold in K-1 style kickboxing at the WAKO World Championships, marking South Africa’s first-ever medal in the discipline. Despite initial success, the allure of mixed martial arts prompted him to switch his focus, driven by the recognition of greater opportunities in the sport.
Aside from his prowess in the ring, du Plessis maintained a strong connection with rugby, a sport he played throughout his schooling years. An avid supporter of the Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team, his passion for sports extended beyond the octagon.
Du Plessis pursued higher education at the University of Pretoria, studying agricultural economics. However, the call of mixed martial arts proved stronger, leading him to drop out during his final year in pursuit of a career in the sport.
Notable Achievements and Career Highlights
- Fight Name and Black Belt: Known as “Stillknocks,” du Plessis is a second-degree black belt in kickboxing, showcasing his mastery of striking techniques.
- Training Ground: He hones his skills at Team CIT MMA in Hatfield, a renowned training facility that has played a pivotal role in shaping his career.
- Height and Divisions: Standing at 6’0″, du Plessis competes in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions, displaying versatility and adaptability in his fighting style.
- Professional Record: Boasting an impressive professional MMA record of 21 wins and 2 losses, du Plessis has consistently delivered stellar performances throughout his career.
- Multifaceted Sportsman: From judo and wrestling to kickboxing and rugby, du Plessis’ journey reflects a diverse athletic background that has contributed to his well-rounded skill set.
- WAKO Junior K-1 World Champion: In 2012, du Plessis achieved a significant milestone by becoming the WAKO Junior K-1 World Champion, a testament to his excellence in kickboxing.
- EFC and KSW Stints: From 2013 to 2017, du Plessis competed in the EFC, showcasing his talents on the African mixed martial arts stage. Subsequently, he ventured into the KSW and EFC from 2018 to 2019, further solidifying his reputation as a global contender.
- Turning 30: Celebrating his 30th birthday on January 14, 2024, alongside his girlfriend Vasti Spiller, du Plessis marked the occasion with a historic UFC Middleweight Championship victory.
Dricus du Plessis’ journey from a young athlete in South Africa to the UFC Middleweight Champion is a tale of dedication, discipline, and the pursuit of greatness. As he continues to make history, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the remarkable career of this South African sensation. Brought to you by World Sports Betting, proud supporters of champions like Dricus du Plessis.
