South African professional mixed martial artist Dricus Du Plessis is officially an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight world champion. His victory has been widely celebrated by his fellow South Africans who are still riding the wave of the Springboks’ win.
An old photo of Dricus and his father, Jappie du Plessis, taken years ago and a new one taken just days ago have gone viral as fans discuss the pair’s special bond.
Many gushed over how his father has been by his side since he was only a youngster with a dream.
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Dricus du Plessis and his dad warm Mzansi’s hearts
On Sunday 21 January this year, South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis became SA’s first UFC middleweight world champion.
The mixed martial arts fighter beat former champion Sean Strickland after a gruelling five-round match at the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario, Canada.
Many South Africans have celebrated his victory and haven’t stopped singing his praises online. Thousands of people have shared heartwarming congratulatory messages as they discuss the rise of SA sports stars.
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One fan has now dug up an old photo of Dricus and his dad Jappie from years ago when he was still coming up in the fighting arena.
Next to the old photo is a recent one of the now UFC champion Dricus and his dad who has been by his side since the start.
Take a look below:
SA loves it
In the comment, many gushed over the son and dad. A lot of them praised the sports star for representing his country so well on a global level.
“So special,” one person asked while another wrote:
“A good man from a good base! Lucky man! There is love and respect”
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