“Bringing home or die trying” – Dricus Du Plessis sends FINAL message to fellow South Africans before boarding flight to Canada for UFC 297

Dricus Du Plessis makes a vow to his countrymen that he will bring the belt to South Africa after defeating Sean Strickland.

“Bringing home or die trying” – Dricus Du Plessis sends FINAL message to fellow South Africans before boarding flight to Canada for UFC 297

Dricus Du Plessis vows to bring back the title after defeating Sean Strickland (via Imago/Peakpx)

Dricus Du Plessis has arrived in Toronto, Canada, two weeks before his title fight against current champion Sean Strickland at UFC 297. The South African fighter is on a mission to win the UFC middleweight championship. He wrote an emotional message to fans before flying out to Canada.

Du Plessis thanked his trainers, crew, and everyone involved in his training camp in an Instagram post before leaving. Dricus Du Plessis pledged to be the greatest version of himself in the octagon on January 20. He vowed to bring the UFC middleweight championship back to South Africa. This is what he had to say:

That’s a wrap! Hard part of camp is in the books, prepare to see the best Stillknocks by far step in there 20 Jan. My coaches my team and everyone involved in this camp I will be forever grateful. Tonight we fly out to go get what I promised myself, those who’ve always been in my corner and the Whole South Africa. I promise you I’m bringing home the @ufc MW title or I’ll die trying.
Dricus Du Plessis via Instagram
YouTube video

The upcoming UFC 297 clash between Du Plessis and the tough and determined champion, Sean Strickland, is fascinating. Strickland’s upset decision victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 stunned the MMA world. This demonstrated his distinct combination of shot selection, forward movement, and excellent cardio. 

FS Video

As Du Plessis goes on this significant journey, the MMA community awaits the conclusion of UFC 297. The South African fighter’s dedication and enthusiasm for his profession, as expressed in his leaving statement, only add to the excitement surrounding this title match.

Dricus Du Plessis reacts to Sean Strickland’s breaks down

Dricus Du Plessis responded to Sean Strickland’s emotional release on Theo Von’s podcast. He provided sympathy as well as an honest appraisal of his opponent’s mindset. During the podcast, Strickland, noted for his stern demeanor, displayed apparent anger and discomfort when he addressed statements made by Du Plessis at a press conference that touched on delicate themes such as child abuse.

Dricus Du Plessis reacts to Sean Strickland's mental breakdown on Theo Von Podcast
Dricus Du Plessis reacts to Sean Strickland’s mental breakdown on Theo Von Podcast (via YouTube)

Du Plessis recognized Strickland’s emotional collapse but questioned whether he deserved credit for his thinking. He believed that Strickland received too much credit regarding his mindset. The South African fighter showed understanding and admiration for Strickland as a good athlete, but he believed Strickland did not think deeply about his actions.

Du Plessis accepted Strickland’s tragic past but criticized him for what he saw as hypocrisy. This is especially true given Strickland’s history of verbal clashes with numerous fighters. Given Strickland’s personal experiences, he questioned Strickland’s claims of crossing a boundary. He also emphasized the significance of not causing stress on others.

In case you missed it: