Dricus du Plessis has rapidly grown into one of the most prominent fighters in the UFC, gaining attention for his commanding performances. Starting his professional MMA career in 2013, he fought in South Africa’s Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and Poland’s Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW), where he claimed two division titles. These early achievements laid the foundation for his entry into the UFC and were marked by relatively modest financial rewards typical for rising athletes in the sport.
Entering the UFC and Early Financial Milestones
Du Plessis made his UFC debut in October 2020 against Markus Perez, signaling the start of his climb in the organization. Despite being a newcomer, his earnings for this first fight were substantial compared to typical debutants, totaling $111,000 from base pay, win bonus, a performance bonus, and sponsorships. This initial payday set the tone for his future progression both in career status and earnings.
Steady Growth with Increasing Paychecks
As he advanced through the middleweight rankings, du Plessis’s compensation rose significantly. A pivotal moment in this trajectory came in December 2022 at UFC 282, where he faced Darren Till in his first major spotlight match. For that bout, he earned $154,500, which included his base salary, win bonus, fight bonus, and sponsorship revenue. This fight marked his emergence as a serious contender within the division.
Championship Victory and Its Financial Impact
The defining point of du Plessis’s career arrived in January 2024 at UFC 297, where he battled Sean Strickland for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Securing the title brought a dramatic rise in his earnings, with his total for the fight reaching $632,000, boosted by a $300,000 base salary, an equal win bonus, and sponsorship income. Achieving champion status also positioned him for much higher earnings in subsequent bouts.
Record-Breaking Pay at UFC 305 Title Defense
Du Plessis’s first defense of the middleweight title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 pushed his earnings into the multimillion-dollar range. His paycheck for this high-profile event included an $800,000 base, a win bonus of the same amount, an estimated $400,000 from pay-per-view shares, and sponsorship money, totaling about $2.04 million. This milestone signaled his arrival among the UFC’s elite earners.
Making History with the UFC 312 Rematch
In February 2025, du Plessis faced Sean Strickland again at UFC 312 in a highly anticipated rematch. This matchup became the most lucrative fight of his career, with reported earnings reaching approximately $3.34 million. His income combined a $1.2 million base salary, an equal win bonus, estimated pay-per-view revenue, and sponsorship deals. This triumph further cemented his position as one of the highest-paid fighters in the promotion’s history.
Supplementary Earnings from Sponsorships
Beyond fight purses, du Plessis has enhanced his financial standing through partnerships with several notable brands, including Ultimate Sports Nutrition (USN), World Sports Betting, SuperSport, Vivify U, and Hennies. These endorsement deals contribute a significant additional income stream, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to his overall earnings.
Estimated Net Worth and Future Outlook
Taking into account all his fight earnings, bonuses, and sponsorships, Dricus du Plessis’s net worth in 2025 is estimated between $3 million and $5 million. With his record-breaking paydays and the potential for more title defenses, his wealth is expected to grow substantially as he continues to compete at the highest level in the UFC.