South Africans had plenty to celebrate this past weekend as the nation secured victories in rugby, cricket and mixed martial arts, marking a remarkable display of athletic achievement on the global stage.
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In rugby, the Springboks retained the Mandela Challenge Plate after defeating the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Proteas wrapped up a Test series win against the West Indies on Sunday, continuing their dominance in cricket.
The weekend’s successes were further highlighted by UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, who defended his title in Perth, Australia, with a victory over Israel Adesanya. The South African fighter demonstrated incredible skill, stamina and determination, ultimately winning the match with a rear-naked choke submission in the fourth round.
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Du Plessis’ victory has fuelled anticipation among fans, as UFC CEO Dana White had previously promised to bring the UFC to South Africa if Du Plessis won. Following the fight, White confirmed that his organisation is actively researching South Africa as a potential venue for its next major event.
White has long discussed hosting a UFC event in Africa, particularly in South Africa. He recently hinted that the UFC might begin exploring arenas in the country and could even hold a fight there this year.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie also confirmed that plans are underway for the UFC to host an event in South Africa. After a fan reached out on social media, McKenzie revealed that his department had met with UFC representatives in Australia and that they were close to making an official announcement.
The Springboks’ success continued with their second consecutive win over the Wallabies, securing a 30-12 victory in Perth. The Boks now return to South Africa with the Rugby Championship title within their grasp, preparing for two crucial home games against the All Blacks.
In cricket, the Proteas celebrated a hard-fought win over the West Indies in the second Test, clinching the two-match series 1-0. This victory marks the Proteas’ 10th consecutive series win against the West Indies, setting a new record for the most successive Test series victories over a single opponent.
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