South Africa’s professional Mixed Martial Artist, Dricus du Plessis, has made the nation proud, after defeating USA’s Sean Strickland at the UFC297 main event held at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario, Canada.
This makes him both the new UFC Middleweight champion and the first South African to ever do it.
“Coach! Coach! I want my flag. This is history. Suid-Afrika, nou weet hulle wat ons weet (South Africa, now they know what we know),” exclaimed du Plessis in honour of the country after winning the match.
He won the nail-biting battle over a split decision, with one point by scores of 47-48, 48-47 and 48-47.
Among those who beamed with pride to du Plessis’ history victory is former Springboks head coach, Rassie Erasmus.
“You fight a lovely sport without a lot of support, but you did it. Enjoy the celebrations, you deserve it. Lekka,’’ said the Springboks winning coach.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Zizi Kodwa also congratulated the champion on his remarkable triumph.
“Dricus du Plessis has flown the South African flag high with his performances in the United Fighting Championship.I congratulate him on the remarkable achievement of being the first South African to be crowned UFC Champion,’’ said Kodwa.
The Hatfiled, Pretoria champ’s victory comes just days after celebrating his birthday on 14 January and indeed the win couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.
Du Plessis believes that he did his best to dominate the fight.
“I honestly thought with the takedowns I made sure every round, I could feel it was a close fight, I definitely gave him the first round. I tried to get that takedown in the first to level the playing field and I felt that he gets up really well. But I can get under him and get him down because I’m stronger,’’ explaind du Plessis.
With sports being the biggest unifier in Mzansi, tributes continue to pour in for him and Minister Kodwa challenged the nation to carry on with the spirit and make more global history.
