DRICUS DU PLESSIS

Hailing from South Africa, Dricus du Plessis competes as an orthodox middleweight representing Team CIT MMA. The athlete established his reputation through multi-division success in the EFC and KSW before transitioning to the world stage. As the first fighter from his nation to claim a UFC belt, he ascended to the top of the division by defeating notable champions like Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Sean Strickland. His tactical approach frequently centers on a high-pressure rhythm that blends intense striking output with a rugged grappling foundation.

Entering the matchup at UFC 329, the South African holds an overall professional record of 23-3-0. His most recent performances saw a unanimous decision loss against Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025. Prior to that setback, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Sean Strickland in early 2025 and a submission win against Israel Adesanya in 2024.