Like his moniker “Stillknocks,” Dricus Du Plessis’s height has become an integral part of who he is. His height of six feet places him squarely on the middleweight division’s dividing line; he is neither as tall as Alex Pereira or Israel Adesanya nor as short as Robert Whittaker. His body is remarkably comparable to that of an all-purpose tool; it is long enough to maintain range with a 76-inch reach, yet it is compact enough for explosive bursts. This combination has proven to be incredibly effective throughout his career.
In mixed martial arts, height frequently determines matchups, influencing tactics and expectations. Due to his stature, which offers both stability for takedowns and leverage for hitting combinations, Du Plessis has benefited greatly from his position. Although some critics originally said his looping punches appeared sloppy, his unconventional rhythm is incredibly effective. He advances like a swarm of bees, using volume to overwhelm opponents, eliciting responses, and taking advantage of errors.
Dricus Du Plessis – Key Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dricus Du Plessis |
| Nickname | Stillknocks |
| Date of Birth | 14 January 1994 |
| Birthplace | Welkom, Free State, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg) |
| Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Division | Middleweight (current), former Welterweight |
| Team | Team CIT MMA |
| Trainer | Morne Visser |
| Rank | 2nd degree black belt in kickboxing |
| Years Active | 2013–present |
| UFC Record | Former UFC Middleweight Champion |
| Other Titles | Former EFC Welterweight & Middleweight Champion, Former KSW Welterweight Champion |
Du Plessis demonstrated that his physique and unrelenting speed could defeat a disciplined, jab-heavy approach when he defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297. He kept up pressure for five vicious rounds by using his stamina and fortitude, and his six-foot size helped him stay grounded during intense fights. His triumph, which became him the first South African UFC champion, proved that, when used consistently, resolve is more important than size.
It was even more evident when defending against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. Du Plessis continued to close distance, upsetting rhythm, and ultimately securing a face crank submission in round four, despite Adesanya’s apparent advantage represented by his greater height and reach. It was blatantly obvious that he could manage scrambles and generate leverage against even the most technically skilled strikers thanks to his physique.
Du Plessis appeared to have much improved in his rematch with Sean Strickland at UFC 312. His entries became more planned, his pressure more measured. Strickland found it difficult to interpret his variable angles because of his six-foot size, which allowed him to switch between head movement and level adjustments with ease. Winning by a unanimous vote demonstrated his ability to change and grow under duress thanks to his physical type and mental resilience.
Even after losing to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, Du Plessis’s reputation was mentioned. Du Plessis’s explosiveness was somewhat mitigated by Chimaev’s stifling grappling technique, but his tenacity was still incredibly dependable, seeing him through five rounds against an unbeaten opponent. His stature represented the “everyman” middleweight, who is neither the tallest nor the strongest but is always resilient, flexible, and deadly.
His actual presence outside the octagon strengthens his psychological warfare. Du Plessis’s six-foot size makes him an equal opponent in staredowns during press conferences and weigh-ins; he is never intimidated and always exudes confidence. Rivals are frequently shaken by his trash talk, which is calm but scathing. Adesanya reacted emotionally prior to UFC 290, while Strickland completely lost his cool and attacked Du Plessis at UFC 296. His ability to maintain his composure both emotionally and physically has been incredibly successful in disrupting competitors.
His career is a reflection of South African pride in general. Physicality is regarded as a sign of national power in sports like rugby, cricket, and athletics. Du Plessis exemplifies that philosophy; while his height isn’t particularly remarkable, the way he exploits it is. For supporters, he is more than just a fighter; he is a symbol of a country that is proud to be a part of the world. Because of his ability to switch between Afrikaans and English, he is extremely versatile and can connect with audiences from a variety of cultural backgrounds, expanding his reach.
His story is made more complex by his own tenacity. Prior to surgery in 2023, Du Plessis competed for years on a nasal oxygen intake of just 8%, demonstrating remarkable durability. His ability to withstand hardship was demonstrated even by non-traditional training techniques, including as his instructor Morne Visser’s contentious taser discipline. Because of his height and unwavering perseverance, he becomes a character that flourishes in turmoil and is a champion who is molded by adversity just as much as by success.
Fans applauded both his personal achievement and the story of a fighter who has consistently conquered obstacles as he proposed to his fiancée Vasti Spiller on his 31st birthday. In a career that is characterized by balance—between strength and stamina, aggression and strategy, humility and pride—his six-foot frame becomes symbolic, an anchor.
