Why Is Dricus Du Plessis Called ‘Stillknocks’ – Meaning Behind UFC Middleweight’s Nickname Explained

Dricus Du Plessis is one of the biggest names in the middleweight division. With the championship belt and an undefeated streak in the UFC, the South African has greatly impressed the fighting community. On top of that, Du Plessis is also infamous for striking severely heated rivalries with former middleweight champions. 

Du Plessis is famous not only for his fighting and trash-talking skills but also for his nickname ‘Stillknocks’. What exactly is the story behind the moniker? Let’s find out!

Where does Dricus du Plessis’ nickname come from?

Du Plessis started his UFC career back in 2020 when he took on Markus Perez at UFC Fight Night 179. He shocked everyone and ended the fight via knockout in the first round. Since then, the South African has been on a roll and has won crucial fights. Before debuting in the UFC, Du Plessis held a record of 33-0 in his amateur K1 career. He even managed to win 30 of his fights via knockout. Keeping this momentum going, Du Plessis dominated the division and earned his nickname.

It was Du Plessis’ brother who gave him the moniker for his heavily one-sided performance in his amateur career. ‘Stillknocks’ refers to a sleeping tablet. Yes, taking the tablet puts an individual to sleep. After all, putting 30 opponents to sleep as an amateur wasn’t something just anyone could do, don’t you think?

The trend continued and ‘Stillknocks’ acted like a sleeping pill by finishing 12 of his fights under the banner of Extreme Fighting Championship. On top of that, Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW) witnessed 2 out of Du Plessis’ 3 wins via KO.

But has the trend continued in the Ultimate Fighting Championship? Let’s take a look at the South African fighter’s UFC career.

Does Dricus Du Plessis still live up to his nickname?

After defeating Perez with a left hook, Du Plessis went on to grab a victory against Trevin Giles, via right cross to ground and pound. Then he faced Brad Tavares at UFC 276 and won with the complete support of the judges. Even fighters like Darren Till and Derek Brunson weren’t able to survive all 3 rounds against Du Plessis.

When ‘Stillknocks’ took on Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, he surprised the entire fighting community with his performance as he won yet another UFC fight via knockout. The Octagon last witnessed Du Plessis’ fury, back at UFC 297, when ‘Stillknocks’ snatched away the middleweight championship belt from Sean Strickland, via split decision.

Needless to say, the middleweight champion has proven that he is worthy of the moniker he received from his brother. Now, holding a 9-fight win streak as a professional mixed martial artist and a UFC record of 7-0, Du Plessis is all set to face the former 2-time UFC MW champion, Israel Adesanya, at UFC 305. It will indeed be Du Plessis’ first title defense. With the heat of their rivalry emanating from every nook and corner of the MMA realm, the excitement around the bout is palpable.

But will ‘Stillknocks’ remain the champion by defeating ‘The Last Stylebender’? Or will UFC 305 mark the end of South African’s 8-month-old rule over the middleweight division? Let us know what you think and predict in the comments down below.