Dricus Du Plessis Triumphs Over Sean Strickland In UFC Middleweight Showdown
- Dricus Du Plessis outshined Sean Strickland in a thrilling rematch for the UFC middleweight title in Australia, cementing his dominance.
- The South African champion retained his title via unanimous decision, pocketing a substantial paycheck alongside his American rival.
- Here's a closer look at the financial breakdown of both fighters' earnings after the UFC middleweight title bout in Sydney, Australia.
In a dramatic showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, South African MMA superstar Dricus Du Plessis retained his UFC middleweight championship belt after defeating Sean Strickland in the early hours of Sunday morning at UFC 312. This victory wasn't just about proving his mettle in the ring; it was also about solidifying his position as one of the most formidable fighters in the sport today.
The 31-year-old champion was defending his title in Australia for the second time, following his impressive victory against Israel Adesanya in August 2024. Du Plessis, born and raised in Pretoria, once again demonstrated his prowess in combat sports, not only securing his title but also earning a significant financial reward that far surpasses what his opponent, Strickland, took home.
Earnings Breakdown: How Du Plessis Outearned Strickland
As the reigning champion, it was no surprise that Du Plessis walked away with a significantly larger paycheck than his challenger, Sean Strickland. The financial disparity between the two fighters isn't just about the outcome of the fight—it's also about the unique advantages champions enjoy in the world of UFC. Let's break it down.
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According to Sports Rush, Du Plessis was guaranteed a base salary of $1.2 million for the bout. But that's just the beginning. As the main event headliner, he also earned an additional $400,000 from pay-per-view (PPV) sales, along with $42,000 in sponsorships. When you add it all up, Du Plessis is taking home a staggering $2.14 million—a career-high for the South African fighter.
On the other hand, Strickland, the challenger, earned a base salary of $1 million, along with $32,000 in sponsorships. While still a substantial amount, his total earnings came to $1.03 million, which pales in comparison to Du Plessis' earnings. It's a reminder of the financial advantages champions enjoy in the UFC, especially when they headline major events.
What's more, Du Plessis' earnings from this fight translate to an impressive R39.4 million in South African currency, nearly doubling the R19 million he earned from his previous bout against Adesanya. This victory has undoubtedly set a new benchmark for his career.
Why Champions Earn More: The PPV Advantage
So, why did Du Plessis earn so much more than Strickland? Sure, winning the fight played a role, but there's more to the story. As the champion, Du Plessis benefits from the added PPV payout, a crucial element for fighters headlining major events. This financial boost is designed to reward champions for drawing in massive audiences and generating significant revenue for the UFC.
It's worth noting that other fighters at UFC 312 also walked away with substantial payouts. However, none could match the earnings of the main event champion, highlighting the importance of being at the top of the card in these high-stakes events.
Who is Dricus Du Plessis?
Dricus Du Plessis isn't just another name in the world of MMA; he's a trailblazer who has made history in multiple ways. Born in Hatfield, Pretoria, Du Plessis became the first South African to win the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) K-1 World Championship. His journey into the UFC wasn't a straight line, but it was filled with remarkable achievements.
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Before joining the UFC, Du Plessis competed in both the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) and Konfrontacja Sztuk Walki (KSW), where he earned a reputation for his dominant performances. With an impressive record of 23 wins and only 2 losses, Du Plessis has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of combat sports. His striking and grappling skills have earned him recognition not only in South Africa but across the globe.
Du Plessis Keeps It Light: A Humorous Pre-Fight Video
Even in the high-pressure world of professional fighting, Du Plessis knows how to keep things light. Before the bout, the South African star teamed up with Australian comedian Jackson O'Doherty to create a hilarious video that was shared on social media. In the video, Du Plessis exuded confidence, showcasing his signature charm and humor while preparing for the big fight.
This amusing clip not only entertained fans but also offered a glimpse into the personality behind the champion. It reminded everyone that, despite the intensity of the sport, Du Plessis knows how to have fun and connect with his audience in ways that transcend the octagon.
