Dricus du Plessis Makes History as the First South African UFC Champion

In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, South African mixed martial artist Dricus du Plessis has risen to become the first UFC middleweight champion from South Africa. At UFC 297, held at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario, Canada, fans witnessed a historic moment that has forever marked Du Plessis's career and the South African sporting landscape.

Under the bright lights of the main event, Du Plessis, widely known by his moniker 'Stillknocks', secured the prestigious UFC middleweight world title after an intense and closely contested bout against the formidable Sean Strickland. It was a fight that tested the mettle of both athletes, culminating in a split decision victory in Du Plessis’s favor (47-48, 48-47, 48-47). His versatile offensive approach and indomitable will carried the day against Strickland, a proficient boxer who could not halt the South African challenger's tenacious advance.

As SuperSport chronicled, Strickland began with confidence, commanding the first round with skilful jabs and guarding effectively against Du Plessis's leg kicks, although the South African managed to execute a takedown. Du Plessis progressively turned the momentum to his side from the second round onward, consistently moving forward, securing further takedowns, and inflicting a severe cut above Strickland’s left eye—a signal of the tide turning.

Despite the titleholder amplifying his offense in the climactic fifth round, it was Du Plessis's unyielding pursuit and the remarks from the judges’ scorecards that sealed his victory. Emotions soared high when the announcement of "and new" crowned Dricus du Plessis as the champion. His celebrations were heartfelt as he savored the moment with his dedicated team and supportive family inside the Octagon.

In his post-fight interview with former UFC champion Daniel Cormier, Du Plessis expressed his strategic mindset throughout the fight and dispelled any doubts regarding his endurance in a five-round match. He had something to prove, and with this win, he silenced his skeptics, demonstrating that he is undoubtedly a fighter suited for the long haul.

While the spotlight shone primarily on Du Plessis's triumph, the co-main event also garnered attention. ‘Rocky’ Raquel Pennington displayed phenomenal perseverance, outdueling Mayra Bueno Silva after five grueling rounds to claim the women’s bantamweight championship by a unanimous decision.

The card was rounded out with Neil Magny securing a technic after a third-round stoppage against Mike Malott in their welterweight clash. Chris Curtis achieved a split decision victory over Marc-Andre Barriault in the middleweight division. Furthermore, Movsar Evloev earned a well-deserved win over Arnold Allen in their featherweight bout.

The UFC scene will soon shift to the APEX Facility in Las Vegas for an eventful Fight Night on February 4, promising another middleweight clash to look forward to. As for Dricus du Plessis, he will return to South Africa a hero, having secured his place in the annals of UFC history with his ground-breaking win and injecting pride into the hearts of his countrymen.