Dricus Du Plessis is a South African professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Middleweight division of EFC Africa, where he is the current Middleweight Champion. A professional since 2013, he has also fought for Polish-based promotion KSW. In addition to being a two-time Middleweight and former Welterweight EFC Champion, he is also a former KSW Welterweight Champion.
Du Plessis made his professional debut in 2013, amassing an undefeated 4–0 record before facing future UFC veteran and then-EFC Middleweight Champion Garreth McLellan at EFC Africa 33, losing via guillotine choke submission in the third round. In June 2015, Du Plessis made his Welterweight debut at EFC Africa 40 against Dino Bagattin, winning via a second-round rear-naked choke submission. After going 3–0 in 2015, Du Plessis faced veteran striker Martin Van Staden at EFC 50 for the vacant EFC Welterweight Championship. Du Plessis won via guillotine choke submission in the third round. Du Plessis was later set to defend his title against one of its former holders, Henry Fadipe. However, the bout was scrapped when Fadipe encountered issues with his visa. Du Plessis returned to EFC in 2017, defeating Brazilian Mauricio Da Rocha Jr. in a Welterweight contest before facing Yannick Bahati at EFC Africa 62 for the Middleweight Championship. Du Plessis won guillotine choke at 1:30 of the first round, becoming a two-weight class Champion within the promotion.
KSW
In 2018, Du Plessis was slated to face KSW Welterweight Champion Roberto Soldić for the KSW title at KSW 43 on April 14. In an upset, Du Plessis dethroned Soldic via TKO, after dropping him with a left hook. The two would later rematch at KSW 45: Return to Wembley in the fall of that year, with Du Plessis being defeated via third-round knockout. Du Plessis fought again for KSW at KSW 50: London against Brazilian-German fighter Joilton Santos, winning via TKO.
Return to EFC
After Brendan Lesar upset veteran Garreth McLellan for the EFC Interim Middleweight Championship at EFC Africa 80, Du Plessis was next set to face Lesar for the title at EFC Africa 83. Du Plessis won via first-round guillotine choke submission.
