Dricus du Plessis has become one of the most prominent names in the UFC, not only for his fighting prowess but also for his growing financial success. As the first South African UFC champion, his Dricus du Plessis’ net worth has become a topic of interest for fans and analysts alike.
This article delves deep into the financial journey of Dricus du Plessis, exploring his earnings, endorsements, investments, and more.
The Rise and Fortune of Dricus du Plessis
Dricus du Plessis’ net worth is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and strategic career choices. From his early days in South Africa to becoming a UFC champion, his financial growth has been as impressive as his fighting career. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, with projections suggesting it could grow significantly in the coming years.
Early Life and Background
Born on January 14, 1994, in Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa, Dricus du Plessis grew up with a passion for combat sports. He began training in judo at the age of five and later transitioned to kickboxing, where he became a WAKO World Champion in K-1. His early success in kickboxing laid the foundation for his eventual move to mixed martial arts (MMA).
Du Plessis attended the University of Pretoria, where he studied agricultural economics. However, he dropped out during his final year to pursue a full-time career in MMA, a decision that has paid off handsomely.
Career and Business Ventures
Early Career
Du Plessis made his professional MMA debut in 2013 and quickly rose through the ranks in South Africa’s Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC). He became a two-division champion in the EFC, holding titles in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. His success continued in Poland’s KSW promotion, where he became the welterweight champion.
UFC Career
Du Plessis joined the UFC in 2020 and made an immediate impact. His debut fight against Markus Perez at UFC Fight Night 179 ended in a first-round knockout, earning him a $75,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Since then, he has consistently delivered impressive performances, defeating top contenders like Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and Robert Whittaker.
In January 2024, du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297 to become the UFC Middleweight Champion, making history as the first South African to win a UFC title. His victory earned him a $632,000 payday, including a $300,000 base salary, a $300,000 win bonus, and $32,000 in sponsorships.
Future Fights
As of August 2024, du Plessis is preparing for his first title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. This fight is expected to be one of the most lucrative of his career, with estimated earnings exceeding $1.5 million, including pay-per-view (PPV) points.
How He Built His Wealth
Dricus du Plessis’ net worth is built on multiple income streams, including fight purses, bonuses, sponsorships, and business ventures.
UFC Earnings
Here’s a detailed table summarizing Dricus du Plessis’ estimated earnings from his UFC fights since his debut in 2020. The table includes base salary, win bonuses, performance bonuses, sponsorships, and total earnings for each fight. Note that these figures are approximations based on publicly available data and may not include undisclosed bonuses or PPV points.
Dricus du Plessis UFC Earnings
| Fight Date | Event | Opponent | Result | Base Salary | Win Bonus | Performance Bonus | Sponsorship | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 11, 2020 | UFC Fight Night 179 | Markus Perez | KO (Round 1) | $16,000 | $16,000 | $75,000 (POTN) | $4,000 | $111,000 |
| July 10, 2021 | UFC 264 | Trevin Giles | KO (Round 2) | $16,000 | $16,000 | $75,000 (POTN) | $4,000 | $111,000 |
| July 2, 2022 | UFC 276 | Brad Tavares | Decision (Unanimous) | $24,000 | $24,000 | $0 | $4,000 | $52,000 |
| Dec 10, 2022 | UFC 282 | Darren Till | Submission (Round 3) | $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 (FOTN) | $4,400 | $154,400 |
| Mar 4, 2023 | UFC 285 | Derek Brunson | TKO (Round 2) | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 | $4,500 | $104,500 |
| July 8, 2023 | UFC 290 | Robert Whittaker | TKO (Round 2) | $100,000 | $100,000 | $50,000 | $4,500 | $254,500 |
| Jan 20, 2024 | UFC 297 | Sean Strickland | Decision (Split) | $300,000 | $300,000 | $50,000 (FOTN) | $32,000 | $682,000 |
| Aug 17, 2024 | UFC 305 | Israel Adesanya | Submission (Round 4) | $500,000 | $500,000 | $43,000 | $42,000 | $1,085,000 |
| Feb 8, 2025 | UFC 312 | Sean Strickland | Decision (Unanimous) | $500,000 | $500,000 | $0 | $42,000 | $1,042,000 |
Key Notes:
- Base Salary & Win Bonus: These figures increased significantly as Du Plessis rose through the ranks, especially after becoming the UFC Middleweight Champion in 2024.
- Performance Bonuses: Includes “Performance of the Night” (POTN) and “Fight of the Night” (FOTN) awards, typically $50,000, though amounts can vary.
- Sponsorship: Reflects fight week incentives, which grew as his profile increased.
- PPV Points: As champion, Du Plessis likely earned additional PPV revenue, especially for fights like UFC 305 and UFC 312. These amounts are not included in the table but could significantly increase his total earnings.
- Total Career Earnings: Summing the table, his recorded UFC earnings are approximately $3,596,400. Including PPV points and undisclosed bonuses, his actual earnings could be closer to $5-7 million by February 2025.
Additional Insights:
- Sponsorships: Du Plessis has endorsement deals with brands like Ultimate Sports Nutrition, World Sports Betting, SuperSport, Vivify U, and Hennies. These deals contribute significantly to his overall net worth.
Breakdown of Earnings Growth:
- Early Career (2020-2022): Du Plessis earned modest amounts, with his first two fights totaling $111,000 each, including performance bonuses.
- Mid-Career (2022-2023): His earnings increased as he faced higher-profile opponents, with his fight against Darren Till at UFC 282 earning him $154,400.
- Championship Run (2024-2025): As champion, his base salary and win bonuses skyrocketed, with his title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 earning him over $1 million.
Additional Insights:
- Sponsorships: Du Plessis has endorsement deals with brands like Ultimate Sports Nutrition, World Sports Betting, SuperSport, Vivify U, and Hennies. These deals contribute significantly to his overall net worth.
- PPV Revenue: As champion, Du Plessis likely earns a percentage of PPV sales, which can add millions to his income, especially for high-profile fights like UFC 305 and UFC 312.
- Net Worth: As of 2025, Du Plessis’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, with his UFC earnings, sponsorships, and business ventures (like his Stillknocks Meat Company) contributing to his wealth.
Business Ventures
Dricus Du Plessis is the owner of Stillknocks Meat Company, a South African business that produces meat snacks, and has also launched Knox, a hydration drink in partnership with Checkers. These ventures add diverse streams of income to his portfolio and showcase his entrepreneurial spirit.
While Stillknocks Meat Company caters to meat lovers with locally produced snacks, Knox offers athletes and fans a caffeine-free, low-kilojoule hydration option packed with vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, available in five flavors like Lemon Lime and Peach. Together, these businesses highlight Du Plessis’ ability to leverage his UFC fame into successful commercial endeavors beyond the octagon.
Investments, Assets, and Philanthropy
Investments
While specific details about his investments are not publicly available, du Plessis has expressed interest in diversifying his income through business ventures and real estate.
Assets
- House: Du Plessis resides in a two-story house in Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa.
- Cars: He owns a Mercedes-Benz EQE 43 AMG and a Mercedes-Benz AMG A45 S. He is also believed to have a Porsche and a Ferrari in his collection.
Philanthropy
Du Plessis is actively involved in charitable initiatives in South Africa. He supports local communities and uses his platform to give back, although specific details about his philanthropic efforts are not widely publicized.
Personal Life and Interests
Dricus Du Plessis is engaged to Vasti Spiller, a boxing coach and photographer, marking a significant milestone in their relationship. The couple, who celebrated their first anniversary in July 2024, got engaged on January 14, 2025, coinciding with Du Plessis’ birthday celebration. Vasti shared the moment on Instagram, posting a clip of the proposal with the caption, “‘no longer two, but one’ -Mark 10:8💍,” prompting an outpouring of congratulations from celebrities like Anlia Etzebeth and fans alike. Often sharing glimpses of their life on social media, they showcase a shared passion for fitness and combat sports, with Vasti expressing her deep affection in July 2024, writing, “1 year of us♥️ with you I experience Jesus’ ‘new beginning’ and what it means to love like him.”
Outside of fighting, Du Plessis enjoys outdoor activities, traveling, and mentoring aspiring fighters. His disciplined lifestyle and commitment to excellence, both in and out of the octagon, have made him a role model for many young athletes, further solidified by his grounded personal life and dedication to those closest to him.
Challenges and Controversies
Dricus Du Plessis, South Africa’s first UFC middleweight champion, has faced several controversies that have stirred debate. In February 2025, he sparked outrage by wearing a “Trump prefers champions” T-shirt and praising U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of UFC 312, drawing criticism from fans and media figures like Solomzi Phenduka for seemingly endorsing Trump’s negative views on South Africa. In January 2024, Du Plessis called the South African government “the worst in the world” upon returning home after winning the title, a stance he stood by despite mixed reactions.
Additionally, a physical altercation with Sean Strickland at UFC 296 in December 2023 highlighted their rivalry, though Du Plessis opted not to press charges. His unorthodox fighting style and high-profile feuds, including with Israel Adesanya, have also drawn scrutiny, testing his role as a national icon. Despite these challenges, Du Plessis’ resilience and nine-fight UFC win streak as of February 2025 underscore his ability to rise above controversy.
Hungry Lion’s Success Story: How To Dominate Africa
Conclusion
Dricus du Plessis’ net worth is a testament to his hard work, talent, and strategic career choices. From dominating local MMA promotions to becoming a UFC champion, his financial success continues to grow alongside his reputation. With his career still on an upward trajectory, his wealth and influence in the sport are expected to increase even further.
Get the latest entrepreneurial success stories, expert tips, and exclusive updates delivered straight to your inbox — Sign up for Entrepreneur Hub SA’s newsletter today!
