UFC Star Dricus du Plessis Faces $199 Million Offer from Tim Cook with Controversial Condition
July 16, 2025 – In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the sports and entertainment industries, Apple CEO Tim Cook, a prominent advocate for LGBT rights, has reportedly offered UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis a staggering $199 million contract. The deal, however, comes with a significant condition: du Plessis must appear in advertisements supporting the LGBT community at every UFC event he competes in, according to a report from Luxury Blog on June 24, 2025.
The offer, which has sparked intense debate across social media and sports forums, places the South African fighter, known for his 23-2 record and undefeated 9-0 streak in the UFC, at a pivotal crossroads in his career. Du Plessis, who is preparing to defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, in Chicago, responded with a statement that has left the sports world stunned, though the exact contents of his response remain undisclosed in the report.
A Controversial Proposition
Tim Cook, one of the most influential figures in global business and a vocal supporter of LGBT rights, has reportedly extended this unprecedented offer to align du Plessis with advocacy campaigns. The proposed advertisements would require the UFC champion to publicly promote inclusivity and support for the LGBT community at each of his fight appearances, a move that some see as a bold step toward merging sports with social advocacy. However, the condition has ignited fierce debate, with opinions divided on whether such a requirement infringes on personal freedom or represents a progressive push for equality.
Neither UFC officials nor Cook’s representatives at Apple have commented on the rumor, leaving room for speculation about the authenticity and implications of the offer. Du Plessis’ team has also remained silent, adding to the intrigue surrounding his response. The lack of official confirmation has not stopped fans and analysts from weighing in, with some praising Cook’s initiative and others questioning the ethics of tying a financial deal to social advocacy.
Du Plessis’ Meteoric Rise
Dricus du Plessis, nicknamed “Stillknocks,” has solidified his status as one of the UFC’s most dominant middleweight fighters. Since joining the promotion in 2020, he has maintained a perfect record, highlighted by a TKO victory over former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 in July 2023 and a unanimous decision win over Sean Strickland to claim the middleweight title at UFC 297 in January 2024. His upcoming fight against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev is seen as one of the most anticipated title bouts of the year.
Known for his resilience, technical prowess, and occasional trash-talking, du Plessis has also shown a sportsmanlike side, recently paying tribute to Whittaker for their career-defining fight two years ago. His ability to balance confidence with respect has earned him a loyal fanbase, but the reported $199 million offer from Cook could test his public image and personal beliefs in unprecedented ways.
Parallels with Other UFC Stars
Interestingly, this is not the first time a UFC fighter has been linked to such an offer. A similar report from Verdict MMA on July 2, 2025, claimed that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev turned down a $199 million contract from an unnamed billionaire to appear in pro-LGBT advertisements, citing his faith as his guiding principle. While the veracity of these reports remains unconfirmed, the recurrence of such claims suggests a growing intersection between high-profile sports figures and social advocacy campaigns.
The parallels between the two stories have fueled skepticism, with some questioning whether these reports are exaggerated or fabricated for attention. Without official statements from Cook, du Plessis, or UFC leadership, the sports community is left to speculate on the motives behind these alleged offers and their potential impact on the fighters involved.
What’s Next for Du Plessis?
As du Plessis prepares for his title defense against Chimaev, the focus remains on his performance in the octagon. Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker, who faced both fighters, predicted that du Plessis could retain his title if he withstands Chimaev’s early takedown attempts, highlighting the South African’s durability and grappling improvements. Chael Sonnen and other analysts have also weighed in, noting du Plessis’ confidence in his ability to resist takedowns, even offering $10,000 to anyone who can take him down in training.
The reported $199 million offer adds another layer of complexity to du Plessis’ journey. Whether he accepts, rejects, or ignores the proposal, his decision could redefine his career and public persona. For now, the sports world awaits further details on his response, which Luxury Blog described as one that “left the entire sports world speechless.”
A Polarizing Moment in Sports
The intersection of sports, corporate influence, and social advocacy has never been more apparent. If true, Cook’s offer to du Plessis represents a bold attempt to leverage the UFC’s global platform for social change. However, it also raises questions about the boundaries between personal beliefs, professional obligations, and public advocacy. As the UFC 319 main event approaches, all eyes will be on Dricus du Plessis—not just for his performance in the cage, but for how he navigates this unprecedented moment in his career.
Disclaimer: The details of the $199 million offer and du Plessis’ response are based on unverified reports and should be treated as speculative until confirmed by official sources.
