The new middleweight champion vowed to bring a UFC title back to South Africa, and he accomplished that goal this week by defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297 and returning home to a hero’s welcome on Thursday.
Also read: Dricus du Plessis makes history to become SA’s first UFC world champ
Du Plessis was surrounded as soon as he arrived at O. R. Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, with a loud chant of ‘DDP’ echoing through the crowd.
The 30-year-old is the first UFC champion from South Africa and the fourth born on the African continent, after Israel Adesanya (Nigeria), Francis Ngannou (Cameroon), and Kamaru Usman (Nigeria).
Dricus back in South Africa with the belt pic.twitter.com/x2tTOxeDsK
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 25, 2024
‘Absolutely incredible,’ Du Plessis told eNCA. ‘It’s incredible, wow. Thank you, South Africa, this is absolutely amazing.’
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His close split decision victory over Strickland improved du Plessis’ UFC record to a perfect 7-0. He now seeks a grudge match with Adesanya, which could take place as early as UFC 300 on April 13, depending on du Plessis’ health and Adesanya’s decision to return from a self-imposed hiatus.
[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
If the Adesanya fight does not happen, du Plessis has plenty of options, including former champion Robert Whittaker fighting Paulo Costa at UFC 298 on 17 February, Brendan Allen putting his six-fight win streak on the line against one-time challenger Marvin Vettori on 6 April, and undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.
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Picture: Lefty Shivambu/ Gallo Sport
