Introduction
Have you ever watched a fighter and instantly felt like you’re witnessing something special, like they’re on the verge of taking over the entire sport? That was my reaction when I saw Dricus Du Plessis step into the UFC Octagon.
Right from the start, his energy was wild, his pace was relentless, and this raw intensity in how he fought made it impossible to look away. It felt like watching a thunderstorm roll in — powerful, unpredictable, and thrilling.
If you’re a fight fan looking for someone who brings that perfect mix of power, grit, and emotion every time he shows up, Du Plessis is your guy. What he’s doing in the UFC isn’t just about racking up wins; it’s about making a real statement.
Through this blog, I’m diving deep into his journey — not just the stats and results, but the moments, the mindset, and why I (and so many others) believe he’s one of the most exciting fighters in the game.
He’s quickly become a major name in the UFC, especially in the middleweight division. With his unorthodox style and finishing instincts, Du Plessis is climbing the ranks and grabbing attention from every corner of the MMA world. South African has proud that, he’s not just fighting for wins — he’s fighting with the weight and pride of an entire nation behind him.
Every time he steps into the cage, there’s improvement. You can see it. His skill set is evolving, and that’s helped him shoot up the UFC rankings and solidify his spot among the top middleweights in 2025.
As the UFC keeps going global, guys like Du Plessis are leading the charge, showing what it looks like when raw talent meets real ambition. In this breakdown, I’ll walk you through Du Plessis’ UFC record, fight by fight. We’ll look at what made his run so special, the highlights that stood out to me, and what could be next for one of MMA’s most dangerous rising stars today
Dricus Du Plessis UFC Record
Okay, let me say this: going undefeated in the UFC’s middleweight division? That’s insane. It’s one of the toughest, most competitive divisions out there. And yet, since stepping into the Octagon in 2020, Dricus Du Plessis has been steamrolling through opponents.
Every time he fights, he finds a way to win, whether with raw power, slick submissions, or just outlasting his opponent in a gritty war. The man’s been racking up wins like it’s second nature, and honestly, it’s been wild to watch him evolve and dominate like this..
Here’s the quick rundown:
- Total UFC fights: 7
- Wins: 7
- Losses: 0
- Wins by KO/TKO: 4
- Wins by submission: 1
- Wins by decision: 2
Every time I look at Du Plessis’ stats, I can’t help but be impressed. The guy is just built differently. Four knockouts? That’s some serious firepower — he doesn’t just win, he finishes fights. And then boom — a submission win thrown in there too? That tells me he’s far from one-dimensional.
He’s not just swinging for the fences; he also knows how to work the ground game. And those two decision wins? That shows grit. That’s fight IQ. He knows how to dig deep, go the distance, and still come out on top. No matter where the fight goes, Du Plessis finds a way to make it his.
The fact that he hasn’t lost a single fight in the UFC — in a division packed with killers — is incredible and a bit scary. It makes me wonder how long he can keep this streak alive. But right now, it just adds to his mystique. Every fight he puts on reminds me that this guy isn’t just about flashy finishes; he’s building a legacy.
Fight-by-Fight BreakdownFight-by-Fight Breakdown
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty. I love breaking down each fight because it shows how Du Plessis grew with every bout. It’s like watching a masterclass in progression.
Du Plessis vs. Markus Perez
Event: UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen
Date: October 10, 2020
Result: Win via KO (Round 1)
I remember this fight vividly — his UFC debut, and man, did he make a statement! That first-round KO was electrifying. You could tell from the start he wasn’t just there to survive; he was there to dominate. The precision of that right hand that knocked Perez out cold had me on my feet, thinking, “Who is this guy?” For a debut, delivering a highlight-reel knockout? That’s how you announce yourself to the world.
Du Plessis vs. Trevin Giles
Event: UFC 264
Date: July 10, 2021
Result: Win via KO (Round 2)
This fight showed me that Du Plessis isn’t just a one-punch knockout artist. Giles pushed hard early, and I was a bit worried when the pressure mounted. But what blew me away was how calm and patient Du Plessis stayed.
When he landed that brutal right in Round 2, it was like watching a perfect storm — timing, power, and composure all in one. I remember thinking, “This guy is the real deal.”
Du Plessis vs. Brad Tavares
Event: UFC 276
Date: July 2, 2022
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
This fight was a different kind of test. Tavares is a savvy vet, and the fight wasn’t about quick finishes but endurance and strategy. I respect how Du Plessis controlled distance, mixed up his attacks, and stayed composed for three full rounds.
Watching this, I realized he wasn’t just a brawler; he was becoming a more complete fighter. That unanimous decision win showed his growth, and I appreciated the patience he displayed.
Du Plessis vs. Darren Till
Event: UFC 282
Date: December 10, 2022
Result: Win via Submission (Round 3) This one hit me differently. Till is known for his striking, so I wondered how Du Plessis would handle him on the ground. When Du Plessis locked in that neck crank in Round 3, it reminded him that he’s dangerous everywhere.
The way he turned the fight around after taking some punishment early made me admire his grit and adaptability. I felt a real respect watching him exploit Till’s weakness like that.
Du Plessis vs. Derek Brunson
Event: UFC 285
Date: March 4, 2023
Result: Win via TKO (Corner Stoppage)
This fight was a thriller. After the back-and-forth first round, I was on the edge of my seat. But when Du Plessis took over in Round 2, landing strikes like a relentless machine, it was clear who the better man was, seeing Brunson’s corner throw in the towel was satisfying — it felt like Du Plessis had truly arrived among the elite. That performance had me thinking championship-level.
Du Plessis vs. Robert Whittaker
Event: UFC 290
Date: July 8, 2023
Result: Win via TKO (Round 2)
This fight was massive — a real “arrival” moment. Whittaker is a former champ, a legend in the division. I was shocked when Du Plessis swarmed him with power shots in Round 2 and forced the referee to stop the fight. Not because I doubted Du Plessis, but because it felt like the passing of the torch. That win catapulted him straight into title contention, and I was thrilled to witness it.
Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland
Event: UFC 297
Date: January 20, 2024
Result: Win via Split Decision This fight was a nail-biter and, honestly, one of the most intense battles I’ve seen Du Plessis fight. It wasn’t about flashy finishes or brutal knockouts — it was chess at the highest level. I was glued to every exchange, every clinch, every shift in momentum.
When he finally edged out Strickland to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship, I felt this huge rush of excitement. This culminated all his hard work and growth — the moment he proved he could hang with the best and come out on top.
Signature Wins and Career Highlights
A few fights in Du Plessis’ career stand out to me as defining moments:
Win over Robert Whittaker: Seriously, this fight made me sit up and take notice like never before. Beating a former champ isn’t just a win; it’s a statement. That TKO felt like Du Plessis was announcing his arrival to the very top tier of the division.
Victory over Sean Strickland: Capturing the middleweight title in a razor-close fight showed his maturity and mental toughness. Finishing fights early is one thing, but winning a tough decision like that, especially in a title fight, speaks volumes about his growth as a fighter.
Darren Till‘s submission: I loved this one because it showcased his skill set. It wasn’t just a brawl; it was a calculated finish. Watching him transition to that neck crank gave me chills.
Dricus du Plessis multiple performances of the Night bonuses tell me the UFC knows how exciting he is to watch. I can’t blame them — he’s a fighter who delivers fireworks, and I’m always first in line to watch his fights
Fighting Style and Strengths
Du Plessis’ style is like a breath of fresh air. He fights with this fierce, unrelenting pressure that just overwhelms his opponents. You can tell he’s not holding back; every punch and kick looks like it’s thrown with the intent to end the fight.
Striking: I have to admit, his technique isn’t always textbook perfect, but damn, it’s effective. He throws with purpose and lands shots that count. His angles can be a headache for his opponents — you never quite know where the next attack comes from.
Grappling and Submissions: This often surprises people, but I love that he’s got a sneaky ground game. He uses trips and body locks to drag guys down and can transition quickly to submissions. That makes him dangerous at all levels.
Cardio and pressure: I remember some early criticism about his stamina, but I’ve seen him improve fight after fight. He can keep that high pace in the later rounds without sweat. That kind of cardio makes him a nightmare to face.
Fight IQ: What stands out to me is how smart he fights. Against Strickland, for example, he mixed up his approach mid-fight, slowing things down with body kicks and controlling the pace. It’s not just brute force — it’s brains too.
Dricus du Plessis ability to adapt on the fly is probably his most dangerous trait. Du Plessis finds a way to impose his will, whether it’s a striker, a grappler, or a wrestler. That’s why every fight he’s in is unpredictable and exciting.
What’s Next for Dricus Du Plessis?
Man, the future looks so bright for Du Plessis. Sitting at the top of the middleweight division, the question on everyone’s mind is: who’s next?
Israel Adesanya Fight: This potential matchup has me hyped beyond belief. Adesanya’s precision versus Du Plessis’ pressure? That’s a stylistic clash made for the ages. Their back-and-forth interviews only fuel the fire, and I can’t wait to see it happen.
Potential Rematch with Strickland: That first fight was so close, I think a rematch would be electric. Both fighters have fans hungry for a definitive winner.
Other Contenders: Names like Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze, and Paulo Costa are intriguing matchups. Each would test Du Plessis in new ways, and I’m excited to see how he handles those challenges.
With UFC’s packed 2025 schedule, I’m confident Du Plessis will be headlining and giving us more unforgettable moments.
Conclusion
I must say that watching Dricus Du Plessis do his thing inside the Octagon has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Every fight has brought fireworks from that jaw-dropping debut knockout to claiming the middleweight title. He doesn’t just show up — he shows out.
What blows me away is that undefeated UFC record. That’s difficult to pull off, especially in a division with killers. But Du Plessis? He’s cracked the code. Whether it’s a clean KO, slick submission, or grinding out a decision, he finds a way. That’s the kind of versatility that separates the good from the great.
Honestly, I’m all in on this guy. I’m rooting for him every step of the way, and I know I’m not the only one. Even if you’re not a hardcore MMA junkie, just one Du Plessis fight will get you hooked. His story isn’t finished — not even close. And if you ask me, the best moments? They’re still coming.
