Dricus Du Plessis: Our UFC Superstar's Next Fight!

DRICUS DU PLESSIS & HIS NEXT FIGHT

• WHO IS DRICUS DU PLESSIS?
• WHEN IS DRICUS DU PLESSIS’ NEXT FIGHT
• DRICUS DU PLESSIS’ LAST FIGHT
• WHAT MAKES DU PLESSIS A THREAT IN THE MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION
• DU PLESSIS’ IMPACT ON SOUTH AFRICAN MMA

WHO IS DRICUS DU PLESSIS?

Born in Welkom, South Africa, Dricus Du Plessis discovered his passion for combat sports at a young age. He began his journey in mixed martial arts with a focus on striking, quickly gaining a reputation for his knockout power. Over time, he refined his grappling and submission skills, becoming a well-rounded fighter capable of adapting to any opponent.

Du Plessis made his UFC debut with a series of impressive performances, swiftly climbing the ranks to become one of the most feared middleweights in the division. Possessing a combination of precise striking and incredible fighting IQ made him an immediate fan-favourite for MMA fans, with many flocking to South African betting sites to place bets on his UFC fights.

WHEN IS DRICUS DU PLESSIS' NEXT FIGHT?

Dricus Du Plessis is set to make a highly significant middleweight clash at UFC FIGHT NIGHT: DU PLESSIS vs USMAN, taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. This is UFC's debut event at the venue and marks the promotion's first return to Oklahoma City in almost a decade. Du Plessis will face former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in what promises to be a compelling battle between two elite fighters with championship pedigree. 

DRICUS DU PLESSIS’ LAST FIGHT

Dricus Du Plessis’ most recent fight came against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025. The bout was highly anticipated, as both fighters are known for their aggressive, high-paced styles. Despite a valiant effort, Du Plessis lost the fight via unanimous decision.

WHAT MAKES DU PLESSIS A THREAT IN THE MIDDLEWEIGHT DIVISION

Dricus Du Plessis has a well-earned reputation for his versatility. His striking can end fights quickly, but he is also incredibly dangerous on the ground when it comes to grappling and submissions. Huge victories over world-class fighters such as Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya served notice to the UFC that this is a fighter who has the ability to challenge and defeat the best the sport has to offer.

His adaptability and intelligence inside the octagon mean that he is able to effectively read and counter his opponents, making each fight unpredictable and a must-watch TV for millions across the world. This combination of skill, in-ring IQ, and mental toughness has elevated him towards the top of the divisions – and stands him in good stead of staying there.

DU PLESSIS’ IMPACT ON SOUTH AFRICAN MMA

While his performances in the octagon have been impressive on a global scale, it is back home in South Africa where his success has left the biggest impression. Dricus Du Plessis has brought South African MMA to the global stage – and with incredible success.

Not only has his success brought him global recognition, but he has also shone a spotlight on MMA at home and surely helped inspire the next generation of MMA fighters.