Sports Minister praises Dricus du Plessis for historic UFC win
In a close affair, the Pretoria athlete won the split decision and lifted the middleweight belt - becoming the first South African to be crowned UFC champion.
Dricus Du Plessis moments after his historic UFC Middleweight championship win on 21 January 2024. Photo: screenshot/X/@ufc
JOHANNESBURG - The Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Zizi Kodwa has congratulated mixed martial arts fighter Dricus du Plessis on winning the United Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight title on Sunday morning.
Du Plessis came out victorious in the title fight against Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Ontario, Canada.
In a close affair, the Pretoria athlete won the split decision and lifted the middleweight belt - becoming the first South African to be crowned UFC champion.
Kodwa congratulated du Plessis saying he's flown the South African flag high.
Sports Ministry spokesperson Litha Mpondwana:
"Minister Kodwa says it's been special to see South Africans unite in diversity to support their own, as du Plessis makes history. The minister urges South Africans to carry this spirit (of unity) as South Africans make history on global platforms in sport, arts and culture."