Long before becoming UFC Middleweight Champion, Dricus Du Plessis was just a promising 20-year-old prospect making his professional MMA debut. A recently unearthed video shows the South African fighter’s first professional bout at EFC Africa 21 on July 25, 2013, giving fans a glimpse of the raw talent that would eventually reach the pinnacle of the sport.
The footage captures a young Du Plessis, introduced as a “K1 Specialist” from Team CIT, entering the hexagon with the commentators noting the high expectations surrounding him. With welterweight champion Leon Mynhardt and lightweight contender Deon Myhard in his corner, Du Plessis already had significant backing from respected figures in South African MMA.
“He’s got a great team behind him,” one commentator remarked. “These guys all sing his praises.”
Du Plessis faced Tshikangu Makuebo, a 35-year-old boxer from the Democratic Republic of Congo who held a 1-2 professional record at the time. The commentators highlighted Makuebo’s “scary power” and judo background, suggesting he could dictate where the fight took place.
From the opening bell, the contest was action-packed. Makuebo came out aggressively, landing several heavy right hands that served as a “wake-up call” for the debuting Du Plessis. However, the young South African remained composed, displaying the quick kicks and striking prowess that would later become his trademark.
The bout ended dramatically and unexpectedly just 1 minute and 18 seconds into the first round. During an exchange, Makuebo appeared to suffer a serious knee injury as he fell awkwardly to the canvas. The referee immediately recognized the severity of the situation and called a stop to the contest, awarding Du Plessis the TKO victory.
“Looks like he completely blew it out as he went down to the ground,” noted one commentator, describing the unfortunate injury that ended Makuebo’s night.
While the victory came via an opponent’s injury rather than Du Plessis’s offense, this debut marked the beginning of what would become a remarkable career. Looking back, we can see glimpses of the fighting style and composure that would eventually lead “Stillknocks” to UFC championship glory.
The young star from Pretoria showed promising skills even then, though few could have predicted the trajectory that would see him defeat Sean Strickland to become UFC Middleweight Champion just over a decade later. Now, as champion, Du Plessis faces new challenges at the highest level, but this throwback video reminds fans of his humble beginnings in the sport.
From a 20-year-old prospect making his debut in South Africa to a UFC champion on the global stage, Du Plessis’s journey showcases the remarkable development of one of MMA’s most unique talents.
