Dricus Du Plessis: South Africa’s First UFC Middleweight Champion Receives Hero’s Welcome

In a historic moment at UFC 297, held on January 20 in Toronto, Canada, South Africa crowned its first-ever UFC champion. Dricus Du Plessis secured the 185-pound championship with a narrow split decision victory over Sean Strickland, marking a milestone for South African MMA.

Before his championship win, Du Plessis was already a popular figure in his home country. Upon his return to South Africa, he was met with thunderous cheers from hundreds of fans at OR Tambo International Airport. Videos capturing his arrival have circulated widely, encapsulating the jubilant spirit of the occasion.

The airport corridor was lined with eager fans, while those in the upper tiers strained to catch a glimpse of their hero, affectionately known as “Stillknocks.” Du Plessis’s triumphant homecoming was a testament to the passion and support of South African fight enthusiasts.

[ON AIR] UFC Middleweight World Champion Dricus du Plessis returns home. He's the first South African to win a UFC world title. #DStv403 #eNCA pic.twitter.com/bUd3keu8Hn

— eNCA (@eNCA) January 25, 2024

One intriguing aspect of this story is Dricus Du Plessis’s claim that Sean Strickland privately admitted defeat following their title bout. Despite a heated build-up to the fight, with intense exchanges at press conferences and a cage-side brawl during UFC 296, the two fighters displayed mutual respect in the cage immediately after the bout. Strickland acknowledged Du Plessis’s victory and even requested a rematch. However, a post-fight change of heart saw Strickland take to social media, alleging an illegal headbutt caused his loss. Du Plessis countered these claims, asserting that Strickland admitted defeat in their private exchange.

Du Plessis shared, “He came to me in the cage right before they announced me as the new champion. I went to him, shook his hand, and said, ‘You’re a warrior, well done, it was a great fight.’ He said, ‘No, you definitely beat me. You deserve it, you won that fight, you beat me.'”

Despite the ensuing controversy, Du Plessis maintains a level of understanding for Strickland’s actions. He attributes Strickland’s post-fight comments to the emotional nature of the sport but refrains from labelling him as a “bad dude.”

A Champ's welcome home! 🇿🇦🏆@DricusduPlessis arrives back in South Africa with the belt! pic.twitter.com/RJ5em5cDgj

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) January 25, 2024

While an immediate rematch seems unlikely, Du Plessis aspires to defend his newly acquired title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 300, scheduled for April 13 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This potential showdown promises to be a thrilling spectacle and a significant moment in African MMA.

Dricus Du Plessis’s return to South Africa following his victory was nothing short of spectacular. The hero’s welcome he received at OR Tambo International Airport epitomised the unifying power of sports. In his address to the media, Du Plessis highlighted the collective effort behind his success, emphasizing the crucial role played by his coach, Morne Visser, and his teammates.

While the date of Du Plessis’s first middleweight title defense remains uncertain, discussions have revolved around the possibility of a matchup with former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 300 in April. However, it is also plausible that the promotion may opt to allow both fighters time to recover before booking them for a future event, such as International Fight Week in July.

In the wake of his triumph at UFC 297, Dricus Du Plessis stands as a symbol of inspiration for South Africa and the entire African MMA community. His unwavering determination and the warm reception he received upon returning home serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of African athletes.