Springbok boss Rassie Erasmus has described Dricus du Plessis as a “flippen yster” after his stunning UFC championship win.
South African Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) superstar Dricus du Plessis has made history after claiming the Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight belt with a narrow victory over Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297.
Du Plessis, who is now on a seven-fight winning streak in the UFC, earned his shot at the middleweight title after claiming a stunning victory over Australian Robert Whittaker in a second-round TKO in July, when he also coined his now-famous phrase: “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know).
It was a mantra also adopted by the Springboks during their successful Rugby World Cup campaign last year, a catchphrase that epitomises the never-say-die spirit of South Africans.
On the eve of Du Plessis’ title fight, there has been an outpouring of support, with Springbok players also sharing messages with the MMS superstar who also passionately supported the Bok side when they claimed the World Cup title in France.
RASSIE ERASMUS HAILS “WARRIOR” DRICUS DU PLESSIS
Following on from Du Plessis’ incredible win, ironically by one point – which was also the Springboks’ margin of victory in all three of the Boks’ 2023 Rugby World Cup playoff matches – he received a special social media message from Rassie Erasmus.
“Dricus ons is almal vreeslik trots op jou… (Dricus, we are all so terribly proud of you),” Erasmus wrote on X
“Danko vir wat jy beteken en doen vir South Africa (Thank you for what you mean and do for South Africa)
“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!”
THE MMA STAR SPOKE OF THE SUPPORT RECEIVED FROM THE BOKS PRIOR TO FIGHT NIGHT
On the day of the fight, he stated, “I know I’ve got a lot of messages of support, and maybe some people think that I don’t see them, but I really do notice and appreciate each and every one.” “Having that kind of support, whether from the Springboks or just an ordinary fan, makes such a difference and inspires me so much.” Naturally, though, I find it amazing that the giants known as the Springboks are reaching out to me to convey messages. It is the fulfillment of every little child’s desire.
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who helped to make this goal and this moment even greater. Come fight night, I promise not to let you down; I’ll make it all worthwhile.
