South Africa’s UFC sensation, Dricus du Plessis, has secured a massive payday following his triumphant title defence against Sean Strickland in Australia on Sunday. Reports suggest that “Stillknocks” walked away with an impressive $2.14 million (around R40 million) for his dominant performance.

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A Statement Victory

Determined to silence his doubters, du Plessis entered the octagon with a point to prove. His initial title-winning split-decision victory over Strickland last year sparked debate, with critics questioning whether he truly deserved the belt. However, the Pretoria-born fighter left no room for controversy this time, showcasing superior skill and resilience over five gruelling rounds.

Du Plessis not only outclassed his American opponent but also inflicted significant damage, reportedly breaking Strickland’s nose en route to a unanimous decision win. This marked his second successful title defence and extended his unbeaten UFC streak to nine fights.

A Lucrative Night for Dricus du Plessis

Beyond the glory, the fight proved to be highly rewarding financially. According to Jacaranda FM, the South African star earned a base salary of $1.2 million, an additional $400,000 from pay-per-view shares, and $42,000 in sponsorship deals—bringing his total earnings to a staggering $2.14 million.

Climbing the UFC Ranks

With this victory, du Plessis strengthens his claim as one of the best fighters in the division. Currently ranked seventh in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings, his latest triumph could see him climb even higher.

Following the fight, the champion credited his composed approach for the win. “The game plan was to stay calm. My coach reminded me that we know I can knock someone out, but this time, I needed to control my aggression,” he explained.

With his dominance now firmly established, the South African star’s next challenge could define his legacy even further.

African Fighters Who Made It Big in the UFC

Du Plessis is part of a growing list of African fighters who have made a name for themselves on the global MMA stage. Here are some of the most successful African athletes in UFC history:

Israel Adesanya (Nigeria): Known as “The Last Stylebender,” Adesanya is a two-time UFC middleweight champion celebrated for his striking prowess and unorthodox fighting style.
Kamaru Usman (Nigeria): Dubbed “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Usman held the UFC welterweight title and is renowned for his dominant wrestling and striking abilities.
Francis Ngannou (Cameroon): Nicknamed “The Predator,” Ngannou became the UFC heavyweight champion, known for his devastating knockout power and holding the record for the hardest punch.
Sodiq Yusuff (Nigeria): Competing in the featherweight division, Yusuff has showcased impressive striking skills, making a name for himself with notable victories.
Mounir Lazzez (Tunisia): Known as “The Sniper,” Lazzez has been recognized for his striking accuracy and has made significant strides in the welterweight division.

These fighters have not only achieved personal milestones but have also elevated the presence of African athletes in the UFC. With du Plessis’ continued success, South Africa has another champion to celebrate on the world stage.