Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has applauded Dricus du Plessis for being the first South African to be crowned United Fighting Championship (UFC) champion.
During a five-round bloodbath, Du Plessis won with a split decision victory over American Sean Strickland in their middleweight title fight in Toronto at UFC 297.
The mixed martial art fighter Du Plessis beat Strickland, who had won the belt from Israel Adesanya in September, 48-47, 48-47, 47-48 for his seventh straight UFC victory.
Minister Kodwa said Dricus du Plessis has flown the South African flag high with his performances in the UFC.
“I congratulate him on the remarkable achievement of being the first South African to be crowned UFC Champion. It has been particularly special to see South Africans unite in their diversity to support their own, as Du Plessis made history,” Kodwa said.
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