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

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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.

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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.

Lerato Mokena is a Cape Town-based journalist who covers the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene with a focus on emerging voices from Khayelitsha to the Bo-Kaap. Born and raised at the foot of Table Mountain, she brings an insider’s eye to how creativity shapes—and is shaped by—South Africa’s complex social landscape. When she’s not chasing stories, Lerato can be found surfing Muizenberg’s gentle waves or debating politics over rooibos in her grandmother’s Gugulethu kitchen.

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