When Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis is not performing great feats of strength in the Octagon, he flexes his entrepreneurial muscles in the online trading arena as Brand Ambassador for Africa’s biggest trading company, CMTrading. He will also soon be featured as a character in an upcoming UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) video game. Next, this motivated athlete will be making an appearance on the silver screen as former World Heavyweight Champion Gerrie Coetzee, alongside none other than the legendary Robert De Niro. Du Plessis comments on his ongoing rise to greatness.

Top of the bill

Asked about the news that he will be throwing his hat into the acting ring, Du Plessis comments, “Yes! Extremely exciting news indeed! The movie is titled 'Against All Odds’ and portrays the life and times of SA legend and Heavyweight Champion Boxer Gerrie Coetzee. I will play the lead role of Gerrie Coetzee.

“It was all very unexpected, but I am extremely honoured to do it. Gerrie Coetzee is a legend in SA boxing and across the world. While I am in MMA, I train in boxing every day and it is a combat sport I very much respect and follow. It really is a privilege to play him in this film.”

Business before pleasure

On the entrepreneurial front, Du Plessis recently opened his own training facility, to help inspire other fighters and fitness fanatics. He also continues his forex trading efforts and is just as focused on his future beyond fighting as he is on his current MMA career.

“Outside of fighting, we have just opened a new state-of-the-art boxing gym and I recently extended my partnership with CMTrading. I have been with the company for the past two years now and they have really allowed me to pursue my dreams of becoming a UFC Champion.

“I am excited to continue flying the CMTrading flag high in SA and across the world. It is important for people that are interested in online trading to have access to a trustworthy platform and broker. Support in the financial markets is absolutely crucial. Without the support or knowledge, you are really exposed to so many risks”.

Jonathan Bergman, VP Marketing at CMTrading, enthuses: “Nothing is more important to us than seeing our clients and partners succeed. We are excited and proud to continue our long-standing partnership with such an amazing athlete.

“The news that he will soon become a movie star reinforces our incredible collaboration and we wish him continued success, both in and out of the ring.”

What comes next? 

Du Plessis is set to face Chris Curtis in the upcoming UFC 273. Having won his first two UFC bouts via knockout, Du Plessis is determined to maintain his upward trajectory on the international stage. “Now it is 100% focus on this year’s UFC schedule,” he says.

He concludes, “We are the two biggest up and comers in the middleweight division so this will be a great battle”. UFC 273 takes place on 9 April at VyStar Veterans’ Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, USA.

It is likely that millions of fight fans from South Africa and around the world will be watching South Africa’s latest great import, Dricus “StillKnocks” Du Plessis in support of his global rise to championship – and possibly Academy Award-worthy – career glory.

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CMTrading is the brand name of Global Capital Markets Trading Ltd (A Seychelles company, company no. 104785)