Rising Star: Dricus du Plessis and His Journey to UFC Stardom - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Rising Star: Dricus du Plessis and His Journey to UFC Stardom

3 mins read
ufc dricus du plessis Cape Town

South African UFC contender Dricus du Plessis is set to make history in his middleweight title match against Strickland on Saturday, January 20. With his eight-match winning streak and signature phrase “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know), du Plessis is not just a fighter but a national icon for South Africa. The match will be broadcasted in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa, showcasing the country’s cultural diversity.

When and where is Dricus du Plessis’s UFC match scheduled?

The middleweight title match between Dricus du Plessis and Strickland is scheduled for Saturday, 20 January, at approximately 10 pm in Canada. South African fans can catch the fight at 5 am on Sunday, 21 January, due to the seven-hour timezone difference.

South African native and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) contender, Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ du Plessis, is set to create a momentous landmark. His scheduled middleweight title match against Strickland is the main event for Saturday, 20 January. Du Plessis, at the age of 29, is skillfully weaving his career journey into a compelling narrative that breaks barriers beyond sport and nationalism.

The Scheduled Match: Timing and Location

The face-off is planned to kick off at approximately 10pm at the chosen venue. Nevertheless, given the seven-hour timezone difference between the match’s location in Canada and South Africa, local fans will have to adjust their sleep schedules to view the fight from 5am on Sunday, 21 January. This geographic separation does little to dampen the anticipation and thrill building around the event.

Broadcasting Details and Language Diversity

The grand event will be broadcasted on several platforms, inclusive of SuperSport Action on channel 210 and SuperSport Variety on channel 208. In a true display of the nation’s cultural diversity, South Africans can enjoy the event in three official languages: English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa.

SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha expressed his delight in the multilingual broadcasting plan, recognizing its warm reception by sports enthusiasts across all divides. “His now-famous phrase, ‘Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie’ (They don’t know what we know) has been an inspiring call to arms for the Springboks as they maintained their hold on the Rugby World Cup in France this year,” noted Ramovha. This same nationalistic fervor and energy are predicted to boost du Plessis’s performance in the match.

Dricus du Plessis: The Rising Titan of MMA

On the precipice of achieving a significant first, du Plessis is set to become the initial South African mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to secure a title belt in the respected UFC arena. This potential accomplishment is all the more remarkable given du Plessis’ current eight-match winning streak. His victory over Australian Robert Whittaker in a second-round TKO in July secured his opportunity at the UFC middleweight title.

In an interesting twist, du Plessis is not only a fighter but also a fervent Springboks fan. He’s been spotted at various South Africa’s World Cup playoff games, even attending the final against the All Blacks. Footage of him celebrating South Africa’s title win right at the stadium spread like wildfire, fostering a connection between the sporting worlds of Rugby and MMA.

The contender’s signature phrase, “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know), which he voiced after his win against Whittaker, has evolved into a battle cry for South African sports. This phrase, akin to du Plessis himself, encapsulates the essence of South African sports – a blend of resolve, grit, and national pride. As du Plessis prepares to face Strickland in the ring, it’s evident that he bears not just his personal ambitions, but also the expectations of a nation.

What is Dricus du Plessis’s winning streak?

Dricus du Plessis currently has an eight-match winning streak, which includes his victory over Australian Robert Whittaker in July.

What is the significance of Dricus du Plessis’s potential title win?

If Dricus du Plessis secures the UFC middleweight title, he will become the first South African mixed martial arts fighter to do so in the UFC arena.

What is Dricus du Plessis’s connection to rugby?

Dricus du Plessis is a fervent fan of the South African rugby team, the Springboks. He has been spotted at various World Cup playoff games, including the final against the All Blacks, where footage of him celebrating South Africa’s title win went viral.

What is Dricus du Plessis’s signature phrase?

Dricus du Plessis’s signature phrase is “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know), which he voiced after his win against Robert Whittaker. This phrase has evolved into a battle cry for South African sports, encapsulating the essence of South African sports – a blend of resolve, grit, and national pride.

How can South African fans watch Dricus du Plessis’s UFC match?

South African fans can catch the middleweight title match between Dricus du Plessis and Strickland at 5 am on Sunday, 21 January, due to the seven-hour timezone difference. The match will be broadcasted on several platforms, including SuperSport Action on channel 210 and SuperSport Variety on channel 208, in English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa.

What is the significance of Dricus du Plessis’s journey to UFC stardom?

Dricus du Plessis’s journey to UFC stardom is breaking barriers beyond sport and nationalism, as he weaves his career journey into a compelling narrative. His potential title win is a significant moment for South African mixed martial arts fighters, and his performance in the ring bears not just his personal ambitions, but also the expectations of a nation.

Previous Story

Sarah Ferguson: A Return to the Royal Fold

Next Story

Tiger Woods and Nike Conclude Era of Iconic Athletic Alliance

Latest from Blog

The Rise of Vaping Among South African Teenagers

Vaping is quickly becoming a popular habit among South African teenagers, drawn by sweet fruity flavors, flashy packaging, and the buzz on social media. Many teens vape to fit in with friends, feel cool and rebellious, or to escape stress and anxiety. However, what seems like harmless fun can quickly turn into addiction, affecting their health and wellbeing. Despite the risks, vaping is often misunderstood, making it harder for families and schools to stop this growing trend. It’s a serious challenge that needs everyone—parents, teachers, and leaders—to work together to protect young people’s futures.

South African Agriculture and the Changing Winds of Trade

Since 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has helped South African farmers sell fruits like avocados, wine, and citrus to the United States without paying extra taxes. This chance boosted farming communities, especially small farmers and women, by opening up new markets and encouraging growth. But recent U.S. tariffs threaten these gains, making it harder for farmers to compete and putting many livelihoods at risk. Still, South African farmers remain strong and hopeful, working hard to face these new challenges and keep their communities alive.

Trapped Abroad: Ashley Oosthuizen’s Journey Through Thailand’s Legal Labyrinth

Ashley Oosthuizen, a young South African woman, went to Thailand chasing her dreams but ended up trapped in a nightmare. After unknowingly signing for a package with illegal drugs, she was arrested and sentenced to over 13 years in prison, despite being innocent. Her mother moved to Thailand to fight for her, sharing Ashley’s story with the world and gaining support. Even when the real criminal confessed, the Thai courts kept Ashley behind bars. Her story is a powerful reminder of how quickly life can change and the risks travelers face in foreign countries.

Shadows Along the Hennops: Three SAPS Officers Vanish and a River Gives Up Its Secrets

In April 2025, three South African police officers disappeared during a trip and were later found dead near the Hennops River, along with two others. Their white car vanished into the river’s dark, swirling waters, hiding clues and sparking a deep mystery. Families and the public mourned, demanding answers amid fears of foul play. The quiet river, once peaceful, now holds heavy secrets and reminds the nation of the dangers police face and the urgent need for justice.

Cape Town’s Boatbuilding: Crafting a Legacy on the Waterfront

Cape Town’s boatbuilding industry is a shining example of skill and tradition mixed with new technology. It creates beautiful, strong boats that are loved worldwide and supports thousands of jobs in the city. But now, new tariffs on exports, especially to the US, threaten this important work and the people who depend on it. Despite these challenges, boatbuilders, city leaders, and innovators are coming together to protect this proud craft. Their passion and teamwork fuel hope that Cape Town’s boatbuilding legacy will sail on strong into the future.