List of Supplements Dricus du Plessis Takes

The former UFC Middleweight Champion's likely supplement stack—based on his USN partnership, extreme training demands, and what elite fighters commonly use

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis doesn't rely solely on his devastating knockout power. The South African-born champion, known as "Stillknocks," maintains a precise nutrition and supplementation regimen that supports his grueling training schedule. As Dricus himself stated, "Without nutrition, one-third of my arsenal is gone." What makes this breakdown unique: the supplements below are based on Dricus's confirmed USN sponsorship, his extreme weight management demands, and standard practices among elite UFC middleweights. Dricus has been quoted in the 102–105 kg (224–231 lb) range outside of competition, while the UFC middleweight limit is 185 lb—implying a substantial camp-and-weigh-in reduction that can vary by fight and includes water weight. This extreme weight management demands specific nutritional support backed by sports science and expert recommendations.

Key Takeaways

• USN sponsorship confirmed – Dricus is sponsored by Ultimate Sports Nutrition, meaning he likely uses their complete product line for performance and recovery

• Extreme weight cuts require precise supplementation – cutting 45+ lbs demands electrolytes, protein, and micronutrient support

• Recovery supplements dominate likely stack – glutamine, collagen, and BCAAs address the demands of two-a-day training sessions

• Creatine is non-negotiable for elite fighters – research confirms it's "one of the most effective performance supplements" currently available to athletes

• Greens powder fills nutritional gaps – especially critical during calorie-restricted fight camps

• Science-backed ingredients drive results – every supplement listed appears in peer-reviewed research and expert recommendations for combat athletes

Performance and Recovery Essentials

1. USN Whey Protein

What It Is: Fast-absorbing protein powder for post-workout muscle recovery.

Dricus is sponsored by USN (Ultimate Sports Nutrition), making their whey protein the likely foundation of his recovery protocol. For fighters cutting significant weight while maintaining muscle mass, protein timing matters significantly.

Why whey works for MMA:

• Fast absorption helps initiate muscle protein synthesis immediately after intense training sessions

• Critical when training twice daily like most UFC champions

• Every MMA supplement guide lists protein as the number-one essential for combat athletes

• Supports the muscle preservation needed when cutting 45+ pounds for weigh-ins

The typical post-workout serving ranges from 30-40g for athletes at Dricus's size. If you're looking to boost your energy while supporting recovery, combining quality protein with nutrient-dense superfoods creates a solid foundation.

2. Creatine Monohydrate

What It Is: The most researched performance supplement for strength and explosive power.

Creatine appears in every elite MMA fighter's supplement protocol. According to a sports dietitian, creatine "boosts energy production in muscle cells, thereby enhancing athletic performance" with extensive research demonstrating effectiveness for long-term muscle growth and strength.

Benefits for strikers like Dricus:

• Supports ATP regeneration for explosive power output

• "Helps you be more explosive" and achieve knockout power

• Directly supports Dricus's fighting style—he has multiple finishes across both knockouts and submissions (e.g., UFCStats lists 23 wins with 9 by KO/TKO and 11 by submission).

• Standard maintenance dose of 3-5g daily backed by decades of research

Want the benefits without mixing powders? XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg creatine monohydrate per gummy—vegan, gluten-free, and ready to grab on the go with The Money-Back Guarantee.

3. Glutamine

What It Is: An amino acid that prevents muscle breakdown and supports immune function.

Glutamine is standard for fighters with high training volume. This amino acid is "one of the most abundant" and can significantly improve your ability to recover from workouts while strengthening your immune system.

Why glutamine matters for combat athletes:

• Anti-catabolic properties help prevent muscle breakdown during extended training blocks

• Especially valuable during fight camps when training intensity peaks

• Supports immune function when the body is under constant physical stress

• Typical serving of 5-10g daily for athletes training twice daily

For fighters training multiple sessions daily, glutamine's muscle-sparing effects become essential when calories may be restricted for weight management.

4. Collagen Peptides

What It Is: Hydrolyzed collagen supporting joints, tendons, and ligaments.

Collagen supplementation is common among combat athletes. As one MMA guide explains, "Training, kicking pads, and grappling can take a toll on your joints. Collagen helps prevent injuries."

Critical for middleweight champions:

• Supports joint integrity for absorbing strikes and executing explosive takedowns

• Anti-inflammatory properties support recovery between sessions

• Maintains flexibility needed for high kicks and grappling transitions

• Directly impacts career longevity in combat sports

XV1 Liquid Collagen offers hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides with added hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc—designed for maximum bioavailability to promote healthy joints and glowing skin.

5. Greens Powder

What It Is: Concentrated micronutrients and antioxidants in powder form.

During fight camps, when food variety is often restricted for weight management, greens powder provides essential micronutrients that might otherwise be missed. For fighters cutting 45+ pounds, maintaining micronutrient intake without adding significant calories becomes essential.

Benefits during fight prep:

• Antioxidants help combat inflammation from intense training

• Supports immune function when body is under constant physical stress

• Fills nutritional gaps during calorie-restricted periods

• Typically one scoop daily mixed with water or in a shake

XV1 Green Superfood Powder delivers organic greens, red antioxidants, immune support compounds, and probiotics in one daily scoop. It's vegan, GMO-free, and designed for busy lifestyles—fitting the "one scoop a day" philosophy that makes supplementation sustainable.

6. Electrolytes / Pink Salt

What It Is: Natural mineral-rich salt for electrolyte replacement during heavy sweating.

Given Dricus's extreme weight cuts of approximately 45 pounds, electrolyte management is critical for maintaining performance and preventing cramping during training.

Essential for weight-cutting fighters:

• Sodium replacement prevents cramping during intense training sessions

• Supports muscle function during the dehydration-rehydration cycle

• Natural mineral salts provide trace minerals beyond just sodium chloride

• Critical during the final weeks before weigh-ins

Fighters typically consume electrolytes throughout the day and especially during training sessions to maintain hydration status.

Joint Health and Longevity Support

7. Beta-Alanine

What It Is: An amino acid that buffers lactic acid and delays muscle fatigue.

Beta-alanine is standard for championship-level fighters. According to a sports dietitian, this supplement is "perfectly designed to help during a fight" because it provides benefits specifically in the 1-4 minute high-intensity range.

Why it matters in championship rounds:

• Fighters are "likely to feel less tired", leading to improved athletic performance

• For five-round championship fights lasting 25 minutes, maintaining power output through each round separates champions from contenders

• Buffers lactic acid buildup during explosive exchanges

• Typical dose ranges from 3-6g daily

The tingling sensation (paresthesia) some users experience is harmless and typically subsides with consistent use.

8. Omega-3 / Fish Oil

What It Is: Essential fatty acids providing anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective benefits.

Omega-3s appear in every comprehensive MMA supplement guide for good reason. The benefits include "increased brain function, improved blood circulation", and reduced inflammation—all critical for fighters.

Benefits for combat athletes:

• Anti-inflammatory properties reduce recovery time between sessions

• Neuroprotective benefits matter significantly for athletes absorbing head strikes

• Supports cardiovascular health and joint function

• Typical serving of 1-3g combined EPA/DHA daily

For those interested in supporting cardiovascular health, combining omega-3s with antioxidant supplements creates comprehensive protection against training-induced inflammation.

9. Vitamin D

What It Is: Essential vitamin supporting bone health, muscle function, and testosterone production.

A sports dietitian notes that "since many fighters train indoors, they may be at risk of vitamin D deficiency." Dricus trains at elite facilities including the UFC Performance Institute—primarily indoor environments.

Critical for indoor-training athletes:

• Bone density matters for strikers absorbing kicks and punches

• Supports testosterone production, influencing recovery capacity

• Aids training adaptation and immune function

• Typical recommendation for indoor athletes: 1,000-2,000 IU daily

Many athletes maintain higher vitamin D levels during winter months or intense training camps when outdoor exposure decreases.

10. BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids)

What It Is: Leucine, isoleucine, and valine—essential amino acids supporting muscle preservation.

BCAAs are "crucial for preventing muscle breakdown" and promoting protein synthesis during extended training sessions. For fighters training multiple sessions daily, BCAAs taken during workouts help maintain muscle tissue when the body might otherwise break down existing muscle for energy.

When BCAAs matter most:

• During calorie-restricted fight camps

• Between two-a-day training sessions

• During extended grappling or sparring sessions

• Typical serving of 5-10g during training

This becomes especially important during the final weeks of camp when training volume is highest and calories may be restricted for weight management.

Building Your Complete Wellness Foundation with XV1

Dricus's approach to supplementation demonstrates that elite performance requires more than just hard training—it demands systematic nutritional support addressing recovery, performance, joint health, and long-term wellness. His likely stack, built around his USN sponsorship and the extreme demands of championship-level MMA, focuses on science-backed compounds that deliver measurable results.

The principles behind an elite fighter's supplement regimen apply universally: address your body's actual needs with quality, evidence-based ingredients. Whether you're training for competition, pursuing fitness goals, or simply optimizing daily health, the foundation remains the same—recovery support, performance enhancement, micronutrient coverage, and cellular health.

XV1's complete wellness philosophy aligns perfectly with this approach. Rather than following trends or making exaggerated claims, XV1 focuses on delivering clean, science-backed formulas that support your body's fundamental needs. Every product in the XV1 line addresses specific wellness goals without compromise—no fillers, no proprietary blends, just transparent ingredients backed by research.

Foundation Supplements for Complete Wellness:

XV1 Green Superfood Powder serves as the cornerstone of daily micronutrient support. This comprehensive formula delivers organic greens, red antioxidants, immune-supporting compounds, digestive enzymes, and probiotics in one daily scoop. It's designed for busy lifestyles—vegan, GMO-free, with no sugar or artificial ingredients. Whether you follow keto, paleo, or intermittent fasting, this greens powder fills the nutritional gaps that even careful meal planning might miss. The antioxidants combat daily oxidative stress while the probiotics support gut health, creating a foundation for overall wellness that goes beyond basic supplementation.

Performance enhancement doesn't require complicated protocols. XV1 Creatine Gummies deliver 1,000mg of creatine monohydrate per gummy in a convenient, naturally-flavored format. No mixing, no measuring, no texture issues—just pure creatine monohydrate, the most researched performance supplement available. Vegan, gluten-free, and made with real fruit extracts, these gummies make consistent supplementation effortless. Whether you're lifting weights, training martial arts, or simply want to maintain muscle strength as you age, creatine supports energy production at the cellular level.

Joint health and connective tissue support become increasingly important regardless of activity level. XV1 Liquid Collagen provides hydrolyzed Type I and III collagen peptides with added hyaluronic acid, biotin, and zinc in a fast-absorbing sugar-free liquid format. Just one tablespoon daily supports joints, promotes skin elasticity, and nourishes hair and nails. The liquid format offers superior bioavailability compared to pills or powders, ensuring your body actually absorbs and utilizes these important building blocks. Non-GMO, dairy-free, and gluten-free, it fits seamlessly into any wellness routine.

The XV1 Difference: Quality You Can Trust

What separates XV1 from typical supplement brands? Transparency, quality control, and a genuine commitment to your wellness journey. Every XV1 product comes with The Money-Back Guarantee. This extended guarantee reflects confidence in product quality and recognition that meaningful changes take time.

XV1 subscription options provide flexibility that respects your autonomy. Edit your subscription, skip months when you have excess inventory, or cancel anytime without hassle or pressure. The goal isn't to lock you into recurring charges—it's to support your consistent progress with convenience and savings when you choose to continue.

The complete XV1 product collection extends beyond these core supplements to address specific wellness needs. From supporting cellular energy to promoting cardiovascular health, each product is designed to integrate into a comprehensive wellness strategy. Browse the full range to discover science-backed solutions for your unique health goals.

Taking Action: Start with the Fundamentals

Building an effective supplement stack doesn't require purchasing everything at once. Start with the fundamentals that address your most immediate needs:

• Daily micronutrient support? Begin with XV1 Green Superfood Powder for comprehensive foundational nutrition

• Physical performance goals? Add XV1 Creatine Gummies for strength and power support

• Joint health concerns? Incorporate XV1 Liquid Collagen for connective tissue and skin support

Layer additional supplements based on your specific training demands, lifestyle factors, and wellness goals. The key is consistency—supplements work through cumulative effects, not single servings. Dricus's success doesn't come from occasional supplementation but from systematic daily support that compounds over months and years.

The science behind elite athletic supplementation isn't secret or complicated. It's about identifying your body's actual needs, choosing quality ingredients backed by research, and maintaining consistency. Whether you're pursuing championship-level performance or simply want to feel your best daily, these principles remain constant. Explore XV1's complete line and discover how science-backed supplementation can support your personal wellness journey—with quality you can trust and a guarantee that backs it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

What supplements does Dricus du Plessis likely take?

Based on his USN sponsorship and standard practices among elite UFC middleweights, Dricus likely uses whey protein, creatine monohydrate, glutamine, collagen, greens powder, and electrolytes. Additional supplements like beta-alanine, omega-3s, vitamin D, and BCAAs are common among fighters with his training volume and weight-cutting demands.

Why does an MMA champion need so many supplements?

As Dricus stated, "Without nutrition, one-third of my arsenal is gone." His extreme training volume (typically two sessions daily) and massive weight cuts (45+ lbs) demand comprehensive nutritional support that whole foods alone can't provide during intense fight camps when calories are restricted.

Is creatine safe for MMA fighters?

Yes. Creatine is "one of the most effective" performance supplements currently available to athletes with decades of research supporting its safety and efficacy. It's used by virtually all elite combat sports athletes for strength, power, and recovery with proper hydration.

What brand of supplements does Dricus du Plessis use?

Dricus is sponsored by USN (Ultimate Sports Nutrition), meaning he likely uses their product line for protein and other supplements. For consumers seeking similar benefits, XV1 offers comparable science-backed alternatives with transparent ingredients and The Money-Back Guarantee.

How can I build a supplement stack like an elite fighter?

Start with the fundamentals: quality protein for recovery, creatine for performance, and a greens powder to cover micronutrient gaps. Add specific supplements based on your training demands—collagen for joint support, electrolytes for hydration, and omega-3s for inflammation management. Explore XV1's collection for science-backed options that fit your wellness goals.