Dricus du Plessis crowned UFC middleweight champion
Another sport triumph for South Africa in the international arena, thanks to Stillknocks.
For the first time, South Africa has an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion after Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ du Plessis toppled middleweight champion Sean Strickland, winning a split decision after five rounds in the early hours of this morning.
Du Plessis’ history-making triumph was the main event of UFC 297 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada.
The mixed martial arts fighter from Hatfield in Pretoria celebrated his 30th birthday on January 14 – and what a birthday present he has given himself and the country.
South Africans took to social media this morning to celebrate Du Plessis’ success.
Dricus ons is almal vreeslik trots op jou. Danko vir wat jy beteken en doen vir 🇿🇦 Jy’s n absolute Yster & warrior. You fight a lonely sport without a lot of support but you did it! Enjoy the celebrations you deserve it. Lekka! 🇿🇦 @dricusduplessis pic.twitter.com/wZPNpJzrnd
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) January 21, 2024
Just so so proud. @dricusduplessis pic.twitter.com/xIaDuHfysx
— Zelda la Grange ©™✌ (@ZeldalaGrangeSA) January 21, 2024
Very unusual for me to be shouting “moer hom” early on a Sunday morning.
— Karen Lotter (@KarenELotter) January 21, 2024
He did! @dricusduplessis, you South African beauty! First ever champion from our beautiful country and you stuck to your word. The belt is coming home. Nou weet hulle wat ons weet 🇿🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/KxRE2MfgfS
— Mark Sham (@MarkSham) January 21, 2024
Days before the big fight, rugby legend Siya Kolisi urged South Africans to get behind Du Plessis.
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