In a pulsating five-round showdown at UFC 297’s main event in Toronto, Canada, Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis etched his name in history as the first South African to secure the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight belt. The gripping battle against Sean Strickland ended with a split decision in Du Plessis’s favor, marking a momentous achievement for the burly fighter.

The adrenaline-pumping clash left spectators breathless as two formidable strikers engaged in a relentless battle for supremacy. As the dust settled and the judges declared Du Plessis the winner, he revealed the mix of emotions surging through him. Speaking to TNT Sports, he confessed, “When the split decision came, it was almost like my life was flashing before my eyes. It was the happiest and most terrifying moment at the same time.”

Du Plessis, now the reigning middleweight champion, wasted no time in expressing his readiness to face another titan in the Octagon—Israel Adesanya. In an interview, he clarified that his call for a fight with Adesanya wasn’t personal but driven by the desire to give fans the showdown they crave. “I fight for the fans, I go out there and I do my job. If the fans want Izzy… that’s the fight I want,” he asserted.

Beyond personal glory, Du Plessis took a moment in the cage to honor his homeland. Requesting a South African flag from the crowd, he passionately declared, “This is history. South Africa, this is an amazing country, thank you South Africa.” His victory, extending a seven-fight winning streak, carries profound significance for the nation.

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Addressing potential doubts about the judges’ decision, Du Plessis defended the outcome, citing strategic takedowns and asserting his dominance in the later rounds. “I honestly think with the takedowns I made sure each round, I could feel it was a close fight,” he explained, dispelling any notions of an undeserved victory.

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis: The Unyielding Pride of South Africa’s First UFC Champion

Reflecting on his strategy against Strickland, Du Plessis revealed the game plan to keep the opponent on the back foot, strategically countering the potent jab. Expressing respect for his opponent, he acknowledged Strickland’s strength and professionalism, thanking him for a memorable clash.

As Du Plessis basks in the glory of his title victory, the focus shifts to the future. With eyes set on UFC 300, he envisions a potential showdown with Adesanya that could headline one of the most significant events in MMA history. For now, Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis stands not only as a champion in the Octagon but as a symbol of South African pride and determination.