Where is South African MMA star Dricus du Plessis right now? Likely enjoying the rewards of a relentless rise to the top of the UFC.
The former UFC middleweight champion has kept a low profile since losing his belt to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on 16 August 2025.
However, his legacy and hard-fought (pun-intended) earnings remain firmly intact.
Let’s take a look at how much he made during his reign as champion.
DRICUS DU PLESSIS HARD-EARNED CASH AS CHAMPION
Du Plessis made history as South Africa’s first UFC champion, turning success inside the octagon into serious financial gain.
He dethroned American Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024 to claim the middleweight title. From there, his value skyrocketed.
FIRST TITLE DEFENCE: ISRAEL ADESANYA PAYDAY
His first title defence came against Israel Adesanya – one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Du Plessis delivered a statement performance, forcing Adesanya to tap out in Round 4. Consequently, he secured both dominance and a major pay day.
Reports estimate his winnings at approximately $1.94 million, equating to around R33 million for the fight.
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SECOND TITLE DEFENCE: STRICKLAND REMATCH
Next came the rematch with Sean Strickland against the man he dethroned as champion.
Except this time Du Plessis’s earnings had quadrupled (from when he was challenge).
As reported on The South African, his base salary jumped from $300 000 as challenger to $1.2 million as champion.
In addition, he took home around $400 000 (R6.7 million) in pay-per-view bonuses, while sponsorship earnings added roughly $42 000 (R700 000).
Meaning, the now 32-year-old made close to R27 million for this fight as well.
DEFEAT, BUT A RECORD PAYDAY FOR ‘STILLKNOCKS’
Then came the setback against Chimaev.
It was a difficult night competitively. However, financially, it marked his biggest purse yet.
Du Plessis reportedly earned around $3 million – more than R50 million – in the bout.
This is by far the most Du Plessis has made from any fight – despite losing the belt in a lopsided fight which saw Chimaev win 50-44, 50-44, 50-44 on the judges’ scorecards.
THE FINAL TALLY DURING HISTORIC TITLE REIGN
So, what does that all add up to?
In total, Du Plessis earned well over R110 million (before tax) during his reign as UFC middleweight champion.
While we may not have seen him in action in well over eight months, make no mistake Du Plessis is plotting his return and a path back to the UFC – and middleweight champion for a second time.
