Dricus du Plessis

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Du Plessis holds the distinction of being the first South African to win a UFC championship, a milestone that elevated him to national hero status. His two successful title defenses, including a submission victory over former champion Israel Adesanya, showcased his well-rounded skills. With 20 finishes in 23 wins, his finishing rate places him among the most exciting middleweights in UFC history. His journey from small-town beginnings to UFC gold serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters in South Africa and beyond.

AwardsDu Plessis is a former UFC Middleweight Champion with two successful title defenses. He also held the EFC Welterweight and Middleweight titles, and the KSW Welterweight Championship. In kickboxing, he won a gold medal at the WAKO World Championships in 2012, becoming South Africa's first medalist at that event.

Honours & Distinctions

First South African UFC Champion

UFC·2024

Became the first fighter from South Africa to win a UFC title.

First South African WAKO World Champion

WAKO·2012

Won gold in K-1 kickboxing, the first South African to medal at the WAKO World Championships.

2nd Degree Black Belt in Kickboxing

Team CIT MMA·2023

Awarded for his proficiency and contributions to kickboxing.

Rankings & Lists

UFC Middleweight Rankings

UFC·2025

#13

UFC Pound-for-Pound Rankings

UFC·2026

Records & Feats

First South African UFC Champion

Historic First·2024

Became the first fighter from South Africa to win a UFC title when he defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in 2024.

First South African WAKO World Champion

Historic First·2012

Won gold in K-1 kickboxing at the 2012 WAKO World Championships, the first South African to do so.