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Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth celebrated wildly following their compatriot Dricus du Plessis’ UFC victory in Perth on Sunday.

Also read: Dana White vows UFC in South Africa if Du Plessis defeats Adesanya

Du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title with a fourth-round submission win over fierce rival Israel Adesanya in a thrilling fight at Perth Arena.

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Kolisi and Etzebeth escorted Du Plessis into the Octagon, while his country’s national anthem echoed around the venue. The Springboks were also in Perth after defeating Australia 30-12 in a Rugby Championship Test on Saturday.

After Du Plessis’ victory, Etzebeth and Kolisi could not contain their excitement.

Du Plessis (22-2) has now won ten fights in a row, having earned the title after defeating American Sean Strickland in January.

‘I came in here to die for this belt,’ Du Plessis said. ‘I came here to take it home. Here I am, still the champion.’

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At a sold-out 15 000-person venue, Adesanya (24-4) received strong crowd support and appeared to have an advantage for much of the fight until he was helpless to Du Plessis’ rear-naked choke.

‘I’m disappointed, but at the same time I’m proud because this is the best I’ve felt and looked,’ said the Nigeria-born New Zealander, who made his return after a shock defeat to Strickland in September last year.

‘I just had the better man on the night and I’ll give him respect for that.’

Also read:

Watch: Israel taps out as Dricus retains UFC middleweight title

Picture: @gregsherwoodmw / X

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