South Africa’s biggest MMA export, Dricus Du Plessis, will open his account for 2025 with a second title defense against the man he defeated to win the middleweight belt, Sean Strickland, at UFC 312. With the championship belt and an undefeated streak in the UFC, du Plessis has greatly impressed the fighting community.

On top of that, Du Plessis is also infamous for striking severely heated rivalries with former middleweight champions, which had become a part of his persona as a UFC star. However, the 185lbs kingpin 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!

What does Dricus Du Plessis’ nickname ‘Stillknocks’ mean?

Well, there’s some kind of a connection between fighters and their monikers, which could be their personality, their dreams, and their interests, among many other aspects. However, when comes to Dricus du Plessis’s nickname, ‘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. And in the UFC, Du Plessis has carried that trend and has secured 6 finishes, so far. Meanwhile, let’s learn how the 31-year-old got this moniker.

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. And as we all know, the South African has been on a roll since then, winning crucial fights and defeating legendary rivals. 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 knockouts. Keeping this momentum going, Du Plessis dominated the division and earned his nickname.

It was Dricus Du Plessis’ brother who gave him the moniker for his heavily one-sided performance in his amateur career, ‘Stillknocks’. Now, UFC fans hear that nickname whenever Bruce Buffer announces it as he stands opposite his opponent inside the Octagon. Needless to say, the middleweight champion has proven that he is worthy of the moniker as he currently stands undefeated in the UFC with an 8-fight winning streak.

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Back to his fight this weekend, Dricus du Plessis would seek to silence his doubters at UFC 312, given the reception of his win in his previous encounter against Sean Strickland was a bit lukewarm. But will ‘Stillknocks’ remain the champion or will ‘Tarzan’ become the second man to win the middleweight title twice under the UFC banner? Let us know in the comments down below.