Dricus Du Plessis, a South African mixed martial artist, has been making waves in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with his impressive performances and relentless fighting style. He is the first South African to win a UFC Championship.
What is Dricus Du Plessis Net Worth?
According to various sources and reports, Dricus Du Plessis’s net worth is around $2 Million. His primary source of income is his UFC salary. He also earns money from sponsorships, performance bonuses and merchandise sales.
Here’s a breakdown of how he has built his financial portfolio:
Fight Earnings: Du Plessis has participated in several high-stakes fights in the UFC, including his recent victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 on August 17, 2024. Winning such high-profile matches not only boosts his reputation but also significantly increases his fight earnings.
Performance Bonuses: UFC fighters can earn additional bonuses for outstanding performances, such as “Fight of the Night” or “Performance of the Night.” Du Plessis’s exciting fighting style has likely earned him a share of these bonuses, contributing to his net worth.
Sponsorship Deals: As his popularity grows, so do his opportunities for sponsorships. Brands often seek to partner with successful athletes to promote their products, and Du Plessis is no exception. These sponsorships can be a substantial source of income.
Merchandise Sales: With a dedicated fan base, Du Plessis can also benefit from merchandise sales, including apparel and fight gear branded with his name or likeness.
Dricus Du Plessis is not just a fighter; he is an emerging brand in the world of mixed martial arts. His recent victory over a well-known champion like Israel Adesanya has positioned him as a formidable contender in the UFC, which could lead to even greater financial success in the future.
Early Career and Rise Through the Ranks
Du Plessis began his martial arts journey at a young age, starting with karate at six years old. He later transitioned into mixed martial arts, making his professional debut in 2013.
He quickly amassed an impressive record, competing in various promotions such as the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW).
In 2016, Du Plessis won the EFC Welterweight Championship by defeating Martin van Staden via knockout in the first round. He later added the EFC Middleweight Championship to his resume in 2017 by submitting Garreth McLellan with a rear-naked choke in the second round.
Du Plessis also found success outside of the EFC, winning the KSW Welterweight Championship in 2018 with a third-round submission victory over Roberto Soldić.
UFC Career and Title Reign
Du Plessis made his UFC debut in January 2021, knocking out Markus Perez in the first round. He continued his winning streak in the promotion, defeating Trevin Giles and Louis Taylor.
In January 2024, Du Plessis faced Sean Strickland for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 297. After a heated exchange at UFC 296, the two fighters met in the octagon, and Du Plessis emerged victorious by split decision, becoming the first South African UFC champion.
Title Defense and Historic Victory over Israel Adesanya
Du Plessis made his first title defense against former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, on August 17, 2024.
In a highly anticipated matchup, Du Plessis submitted Adesanya in the fourth round with a rear-naked choke, marking the first time Adesanya had been finished in his professional MMA career.
This historic victory solidified Du Plessis’s status as a rising star in the UFC and the first South African champion in the promotion’s history.
As of August 2024, he is ranked #6 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
