South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis celebrates his UFC middleweight title success in Toronto after beating Sean Strickland.

• Dricus du Plessis’ amazing Ultimate Fighting Championship win over Sean Strickland didn’t escape the attentions of an adoring public, who lapped up his success after his triumph in Toronto.
• Du Plessis became the first South African to taste UFC success, utilising all five rounds to get past Strickland.
• Sports personalities across the spectrum congratulated Du Plessis for his landmark win.
• For more, please visit News24 Sports‘ home page.

Dricus du Plessis’ heart-warming Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title win over Sean Strickland at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday morning stoked South African passions and brought the Mixed Martial Arts competitor heart congratulations.

Du Plessis saw off Strickland to become the first South African to clinch UFC gold, with various sporting personalities taking time to celebrate his success.

Du Plessis, who reeled off the Springboks’ famous line from the 2023 Rugby World Cup ‘Hulle weet nie wat ons weet’ (They don’t know what we know), was a staunch Bok supporter during the World Cup.

SA rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, who will also be doubling up as Bok coach this year, was one of those who offered congratulations to Du Plessis on X (formerly known as Twitter).

“Dricus ons is almal vreeslik trots op jou. Danko vir wat jy beteken en doen vir ???? Jy’s n absolute Yster & warrior. You fight a lonely sport without a lot of support but you did it! Enjoy the celebrations you deserve it. Lekka!,” Erasmus posted.

Sports, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa also weighed in on the wave of congratulations, saying Kodwa had done the country proud.

“South Africans, we have an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion. Congratulations @dricusduplessis. You have raised our country’s flag. Enjoy the moment. You have made the whole country proud! #UFC297,” Kodwa said.

Former Olympian Ryk Neethling also rode on the wave, saying Du Plessis was a South African hero.

“A South African hero and legend. Baie geluk aan sy familie en span! Ongelooflik!,” Neethling posted

Former Proteas batting star AB de Villiers wasn’t left out of the celebrations, saying Du Plessis had given SA something to celebrate on Sunday morning.

“@dricusduplessis. You’ve just given us a very special Sunday over here in South Africa! Thank you ??incredible composure under the highest pressure possible #stillknocks,” De Villiers posted. 

Rugby World Cup winning prop Retshegofaditswe ‘Ox’ Nche kept his message simple.

“Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie,” Nche posted.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also celebrated Du Plessis’ win.

“Aaaaaaannnnnddddddd Neeww @dricusduplessis ???????????????? well done my bra,” Kolisi posted on Instagram.