Dricus Du Plessis made UFC history on Saturday by becoming the first South African crowned champion. At 30 years old, “Stillnocks” – his nickname – beat the American Sean Strickland by split decision on Saturday in Toronto, who was defending his -84kg belt for the first time. “I knew it would be a close fight. For all the people who said I couldn’t last five rounds, I proved it.”
The fight was intense and indecisive until the end between the two fighters who met again a month after fighting in the stands in Las Vegas, on the sidelines of UFC296. If their rivalry had crossed the line in the past, Du Plessis paid tribute to his opponent. “You’re a good guy, I have a lot of respect for you.”
SEE ALSO – Trophies, statistics…José Mourinho’s coaching career
