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Early Life and Background
Dricus du Plessis was born on January 14, 1994, in Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa. He grew up in this vibrant community, which played a significant role in shaping his early years. From a young age, du Plessis was immersed in the world of sports. His early interest was rugby, a sport deeply cherished in South Africa. As a teenager, he played for the Blue Bulls under-19 team and toured Argentina, further fueling his rugby ambitions. He admired renowned rugby player Schalk Burger and dreamed of representing South Africa on prestigious fields like Loftus Versfeld, Ellis Park, and Newlands.
Transition to Mixed Martial Arts
Despite his rugby aspirations, du Plessis transitioned to mixed martial arts (MMA) as he grew older. He began his martial arts journey with judo at the age of five, then took up wrestling at twelve, and later started kickboxing at fourteen. His dedication to kickboxing paid off when he became South Africa's first gold medalist at the 2012 WAKO World Championships. However, du Plessis soon realized that the financial rewards in kickboxing were limited, prompting him to shift his focus to MMA.
Career in Mixed Martial Arts
Du Plessis began his professional MMA career in 2013, competing in various promotions before making a significant impact in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known for his striking power and resilience, du Plessis earned the nickname "Stillknocks" and quickly made a name for himself in the sport. His career took a major leap when he won the UFC Middleweight Championship in January 2024, becoming the first South African to claim a UFC title.
His UFC journey has been marked by notable victories and a strong performance record. As of July 30, 2024, du Plessis is ranked #11 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. His most recent achievement includes winning the Fight of the Night bonus at UFC 297, where he secured his championship title.
Personal Life and Interests
Fluent in both English and Afrikaans, du Plessis is a dedicated athlete who trains with Team CIT MMA under the guidance of coach Morne Visser. He holds a 2nd-degree black belt in kickboxing. Besides his professional achievements, du Plessis has been a vocal supporter of South Africa's national rugby team, the Springboks, reflecting his ongoing passion for the sport of his youth.
Health and Future Plans
In April 2023, du Plessis underwent surgery to address a significant breathing impairment, which had affected his performance. The procedure, initially scheduled for 2020 but delayed due to his UFC commitments, was crucial for improving his oxygen intake and overall athletic performance.
Looking ahead, du Plessis is set to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship against former two-time champion Israel Adesanya on August 18, 2024, at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. This match will be a pivotal moment in his career as he aims to solidify his position as a dominant force in the MMA world.
Dricus du Plessis journey from a rugby-loving teenager in Hatfield to a UFC Middleweight Champion is a testament to his dedication and versatility as an athlete. With a career that continues to flourish, du Plessis remains an inspiring figure in the world of mixed martial arts and a proud representative of South Africa on the global stage.
Dricus du Plessis Parents
Dricus du Plessis parents played a key role in his early life and development. His father, a dedicated sports enthusiast, supported Dricus’s early interest in rugby and martial arts. He was actively involved in encouraging and facilitating Dricus training and competitions. His mother, on the other hand, provided a nurturing environment that allowed Dricus to pursue his diverse athletic interests. Together, they fostered his growth both as an athlete and as an individual, instilling values of hard work and perseverance that have been essential to his success in mixed martial arts.
Dricus du Plessis Ethnicity
Dricus du Plessis is of Afrikaner ethnicity. Afrikaners are a group of people in South Africa who primarily speak Afrikaans, a language derived from Dutch. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their strong ties to South African history and traditions. As an Afrikaner, du Plessis is part of this distinct community, which has influenced his upbringing and values. His background is an integral part of his identity, shaping his experiences and perspectives both inside and outside the sports arena.
Dricus du Plessis Height and Weight Measurements
Dricus du Plessis stands 1.83 meters tall, which is about 6 feet. He weighs 84 kilograms, equivalent to around 185 pounds. These measurements place him in the middleweight division of mixed martial arts, where athletes are typically within this weight range. His height and weight are well-suited for his fighting style, giving him a balance of strength and agility in the octagon.
Dricus du Plessis Religion
Dricus du Plessis is a Christian. His faith is an important part of his life and often influences his personal values and decisions. Like many athletes, he may find strength and motivation through his beliefs, which can also provide support and guidance in both his professional and personal life. His Christian faith is a key aspect of his identity and contributes to his overall outlook and approach to life.
Dricus du Plessis Rugby Career
Dricus du Plessis had a promising rugby career in his younger years. He played for the Blue Bulls under-19 team, which is a notable rugby team in South Africa. During his teenage years, he even toured Argentina, gaining valuable experience and exposure in the sport. Although he admired rugby legends and dreamed of playing for the national team, du Plessis eventually shifted his focus to mixed martial arts. His rugby background provided him with strong athletic skills and a competitive mindset that benefited his future career in MMA.
Dricus du Plessis World Ranking
As of July 30, 2024, Dricus du Plessis is ranked #11 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. This ranking reflects his status as one of the top fighters across all weight classes in the UFC. Being in the top ten in these rankings shows that he is considered one of the best fighters in the world, regardless of weight division, and highlights his skill, achievements, and impact in mixed martial arts.
Dricus du Plessis Stats
Dricus du Plessis has an impressive mixed martial arts record. As of now, he has fought a total of 23 matches. Out of these, he has won 21, with 9 wins by knockout, 10 by submission, and 2 by decision. He has lost 2 fights, with 1 loss by knockout and 1 by submission. These stats highlight his strong performance in the sport, showcasing his ability to win fights through various techniques and his overall effectiveness as a fighter.
FAQs
1. How old is Dricus du Plessis?
- Dricus du Plessis was born on January 14, 1994, making him 30 years old as of 2024.
2. What is Dricus du Plessis nickname?
- His nickname is "Stillknocks."
3. What is Dricus du Plessis current career status?
- He is a professional mixed martial artist and the current UFC Middleweight Champion.
4. What was Dricus du Plessis involvement in rugby?
- He played for the Blue Bulls under-19 team and toured Argentina as a teenager.
5. What is Dricus du Plessis educational background?
- He attended the University of Pretoria, where he studied agricultural economics but dropped out to pursue MMA.
6. Who is Dricus du Plessis coach?
- His coach is Morne Visser.
7. Which team does Dricus du Plessis train with?
- He trains with Team CIT MMA.
8. How tall is Dricus du Plessis?
- He is 1.83 meters tall, which is about 6 feet.
9. What are Dricus du Plessis fighting stats?
- He has a record of 23 fights with 21 wins (9 by knockout, 10 by submission, 2 by decision) and 2 losses (1 by knockout, 1 by submission).
10. What is Dricus du Plessis world ranking?
- As of July 30, 2024, he is ranked #11 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings.
11. What is Dricus du Plessis ethnicity?
- He is of Afrikaner ethnicity.
12. What is Dricus du Plessis nationality?
- He is South African.
13. What is Dricus du Plessis religion?
- He is a Christian.
14. What is Dricus du Plessis net worth?
- His net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. (Please note that net worth figures can fluctuate and may vary based on the source.)
15. What are Dricus du Plessis height and weight measurements?
- He stands 1.83 meters tall and weighs 84 kilograms, or approximately 185 pounds.
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