The Rise of Dricus du Plessis in the UFC Earnings Bracket
Have you ever wondered how much a fighter earns in the brutal world of mixed martial arts? Well, in the case of Dricus du Plessis, the South African UFC middleweight champion, the answer is quite a lot. Du Plessis has worked his way up to the elite bracket of earners in the UFC, showcasing his dominance inside the octagon.
Dricus du Plessis Earnings: From Humble Beginnings to UFC Stardom
Dricus du Plessis earned his first UFC contract in October 2020 after establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the African and European MMA scenes. As the first double champion in the Extreme Fighting Championship and a welterweight champion in KSW, Du Plessis proved his skills across multiple divisions.
His UFC debut against Markus Perez in Abu Dhabi was a resounding success, with Du Plessis securing a first-round victory. According to reports, he earned a base salary of $16,000, a win bonus of $16,000, and a performance bonus of $75,000, totaling $107,000 or R1.97 million in rand terms.
As Du Plessis continued to climb the UFC rankings with impressive wins, his earnings grew significantly. His high-profile fight against Darren Till in December 2022 saw him pocket $154,400 or R2.8 million, including base salary, bonuses, and sponsorship earnings.
Big Paydays and Elite Earnings
In January 2024, Du Plessis faced off against Sean Strickland for the middleweight title in a grueling five-round battle. Despite the tough fight, Du Plessis emerged victorious and took home an estimated $632,000 or R11.6 million in total winnings.
His first title defense against Israel Adesanya further solidified his status as an elite UFC earner. With a submission win in the fourth round, Du Plessis reportedly earned a staggering $2.042 million or R37.5 million.
Most recently, Du Plessis dominated Strickland in another five-round bout, securing another significant payday. Reports suggest that he walked away with $3.342 million or R62 million in earnings from salary, bonuses, and rewards.
Dricus du Plessis has undoubtedly carved out a lucrative career in the UFC, showcasing his talent and earning his place among the elite earners in the sport. As he continues to rise through the ranks, his earnings are expected to grow even further, solidifying his position as one of the top fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.
