Dricus du Plessis
Definition
Dricus du Plessis, often known as DDP or 'Stillknocks,' is a South African professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's middleweight division.
He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion (2024-2025), the first South African to win a UFC title, with notable victories over Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya before losing the belt to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025.
As of February 2026, he holds the #1 spot in the UFC middleweight rankings and is planning a return to reclaim the championship.
Examples
Dricus du Plessis turned UFC 305 into a South African braai by face-cracking Adesanya in his own backyard.
After two wins over Strickland, Dricus du Plessis became the king of middleweight drama, trash-talk included.
Dricus du Plessis called his loss to Chimaev a 'terrible fight,' but fans know he's just warming up for the rematch roast.
With a 23-3 record, Dricus du Plessis proves that Pretoria punchouts can humble global grapplers.