The nation of South Africa saw its advent in the UFC after Dricus du Plessis became the world champion at UFC 297. However, the middleweight kingpin isn’t the only one in the family who’s a mixed martial artist because he has an older brother who fights, too. As we inch closer to UFC 305, our sole focus today will be on ‘Stillknocks’s brother, Niel, and his MMA career.

Growing up in Hatfield, Pretoria, Dricus du Plessis started his martial arts journey before he was even 10. He’d later train in wrestling and kickboxing, and earn a black belt in the latter discipline. Meanwhile, his brother, Niel du Plessis, wasn’t far behind as he started his martial journey as an infant as well. But before we dive into his combat sports career, let’s get to know him a bit more .

Meet Niel ‘Steel’ Du Plessis, Dricus Du Plessis’ brother

Dricus du Plessis has two older brothers – WC du Plessis and Niel du Plessis, who is a fighter as well. Their bond seems to be pretty strong as the UFC middleweight champion has shared many pictures with his brothers, showcasing a tight-knit family. ‘Stillknocks’ is the youngest one and the most successful as well, making his mark in Dana White‘s promotion.

When it comes to WC du Plessis, he’s nowhere near the sport of MMA. Instead, he chose to go down a corporate route, becoming the CEO of an investment company named Orzella Investments CC. But Niel du Plessis, or Steel’ as he is called, followed his brother Dricus into MMA.

Niel started his martial arts training even before Dricus du Plessis. Despite that, his career trajectory didn’t really match his brother’s, and he’s had his fair share of wins and losses as well. So, without wasting much time, let’s see how his MMA story has shaped up so far.

Niel Du Plessis’ MMA career and record: Where does he train?

Niel du Plessis, going by the nickname ‘Steel’, arrived in the professional MMA scene a little later than his brother. To be exact, it took him three years more than Dricus du Plessis. He’s only competed under one promotion – Extreme Fighting Championship. At Extreme Fighting Championship 5o, the night Neil debuted, his younger brother fought in his first world title fight in the same event. In fact, ‘Stillknocks’ was the headliner that night.

While Niel emerged victorious, Dricus du Plessis missed out on winning that 185-pound strap. Meanwhile, from 2016 to 2020, Niel du Plessis only competed five times. What do you think happened in those five battles? He amassed a respectable 3-2 record, compared to his brother’s 4-1 record in his first five fights. His last fight was a bust as he succumbed to a submission loss at EFC Worldwide 84.

That was the last time he fought. Does that mean he’s retiring? We don’t know that because he’s laid low on that front, and it looks like Niel is taking a break from fighting. Meanwhile, his baby brother Dricus du Plessis is now a UFC champion, preparing for his first title defense against Israel Adesanya. Having learned about his brothers, let’s move over to talk about the other people in ‘Stillknocks’s family.

Rest of the du Plessis family

Dricus du Plessis, besides having two older brothers, has his mother Gerda, and father Jape du Plessis. The two met each other when they attended Theunissen Hoërskool, in Theunissen, South Africa. There are no real details on what the occupations of his parents are, but fans have witnessed them travel all the way from South Africa to Canada when ‘Stillknocks’ fought Sean Strickland to win the title.

After winning the middleweight title, Dricus du Plessis would go backstage only to find his mother and father waiting for him. An emotional du Plessis hugged both of them while posing with the title with the championship belt being put on Jape’s shoulder. That was an endearing sight for the fans as ‘Stillknocks’s mother said to him, “I’m proud of you.”

Now, Dricus du Plessis is preparing for the biggest fight of his life against bitter rival Israel Adesanya, who’s looking to become the first-ever 3-time middleweight champion. Join the conversation by sharing with us your prediction for the headliner of UFC 305.