WATCH: Fourth-ever African UFC champ Dricus du Plessis gets hero’s welcome on return to South Africa

South Africa erupts in celebration as UFC champion Dricus Du Plessis returns to his home country.

WATCH: Fourth-ever African UFC champ Dricus du Plessis gets hero’s welcome on return to South Africa

Dricus Du Plessis returns home after UFC 297 victory (Source: Twitter/sanews.gov.za)

Dricus Du Plessis saw a hero’s welcome at O.R. Tambo International Airport upon his return to South Africa on Thursday. ‘Stillknocks’ is just days apart from his title win over Sean Strickland. Du Plessis edged the opponent by a split decision in the UFC 297 headliner. The fighter stayed in Canada for some more days before returning to South Africa.

Before facing Strickland, Du Plessis vowed to bring home the title or die trying. The South Africans rejoiced in the title win and achievements of Du Plessis. Now, accordingly, his countrymen are as much pleased about his win. Recent footage shows him touching down and going through the crowd at Kempton Park. The fighter received many cheers from fight fans as he raised and showcased his title belt.

YouTube video

Sporting a black eye, the fighter thanked all of Johannesburg and his fans worldwide for the historic reception. Middleweight mainstay Robert Whittaker felt Dricus had a strong mentality and will. This was the reason for his title win. The reception from his countrymen remains similar to how Conor McGregor and Jan Blachowicz received when they returned to their country after winning the title.

The success of Dricus Du Plessis in South Africa will hopefully increase attention to the MMA scene in the country. He could bring a similar impact to that of Michael Bisping in the UK. Bisping’s legendary career helped increase the popularity of MMA in the UK. Subsequently, it gave rise to fighters like Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall, Arnold Allen, Paddy Pimblett, and more. Similarly, the MMA scene in South Africa will improve from the impact of Du Plessis.

Dricus Du Plessis trashes the current administration in South Africa

The first South African UFC champion received a hero’s welcome home. Making his way through the queue of fans, the fighter had a recent sitdown and talked about his victory. During the interview, he also weighed in on a few of his past comments about the nation’s sociopolitical turmoil.

Dricus Du Plessis stands by his criticism, post-UFC 297 win against Sean Strickland
Dricus Du Plessis stands by his criticism, post-UFC 297 win against Sean Strickland (Source: Twitter/enca.com)

Right before his title contention, the fighter appeared in an interview with MMA journalist Nina Marie Daniele on her YouTube channel. Dricus Du Plessis had mentioned the current administration as the worst government. Now, here’s what he added on the subject:

I stand by what I said. I’m not a politician and that’s why I haven’t gone in a political direction. I’m a sports person. There are few people who will argue with me or who can argue with me if you go on facts...They are negative things, but we as South Africans don’t let negative things get us down and that’s why we do this well....
Dricus Du Plessis via eNCA

The fighter also incited the case of the South African Sports team and their progress. He is an avid fan of South African Rugby and maintains a healthy association with Springbok World Cup-winning captain Siya Kolisi.

Many sociopolitical pundits, along with Minister (of Sport, Arts, and Culture) Zizi Kodwa, personally lauded the fighter on his effort to unite South Africans on their diversity. Regardless of whether anyone agrees with Du Plessis or not, his impact in trying to unite the people of his country remains unparalleled. His reign as a champion will immensely benefit the South African MMA scene where UFC could put on shows annually that will benefit the local economy.

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