- The South African president raved about Dricus du Plessis’ UFC 305 title victory
- The country’s Minister of Sports wants to return the favor after Ryan Garcia supported “Stillknocks”
South Africa is very proud of Dricus du Plessis and is also happy about the support he received from boxing star Ryan Garcia.
South Africa’s pride
Even before capturing the UFC middleweight title, “Stillknocks” has already been a proud South African. Unsurprisingly, the country’s president Cyril Ramaphosa was overwhelmed by pride and joy when Du Plessis brought honor to their homeland.
“Congratulations, Dricus Du Plessis, on retaining your UFC middleweight world championship with a submission in #UFC305. As a bonus, you kept our Flag flying hours after the Springboks scored an historic a 2-0 series win in Perth as well. We couldn’t wish for a better day in the office,” Ramaphosa wrote on X.
Congratulations, Dricus Du Plessis, on retaining your UFC middleweight world championship with a submission in #UFC305.
As a bonus, you kept our Flag flying hours after the Springboks scored an historic a 2-0 series win in Perth as well. We couldn’t wish for a better day in the… pic.twitter.com/oxwTsAEF5Q
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 18, 2024
‘King Ry’ gets recognized by South Africa
Prior to UFC 305, Garcia rooted for Du Plessis and even said he’d bet $500K on “Stillknocks.” This unexpected support courtesy of “King Ry” did not go unnoticed after Du Plessis dethroned Israel Adesanya.
Garcia picks Dricus over Izzy #UFC305 pic.twitter.com/rMqKQdHU2N
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) August 17, 2024
To express their appreciation for Garcia, South Africa’s Minister of Sports Gayton McKenzie officially invited the polarizing boxer to their country when Du Plessis finally defend his belt in home soil.
“I’m going to invite you as a special guest to our lovely country South Africa for the next fight on home soil for @dricusduplessis, thanks for supporting us, we shall revenge your kindness upon your arrival here,” McKenzie responded to Garcia’s post.
I’m going to invite you as a special guest to our lovely country South Africa for the next fight on home soil for @dricusduplessis , thanks for supporting us, we shall revenge your kindness upon your arrival here. https://t.co/LxqYvlAFU1
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 18, 2024
Du Plessis undoubtedly fancies defending his title in South Africa the next time he steps inside the Octagon. As it stands, the reigning champ sees Robert Whittaker as the most deserving title challenger at 185. However, Du Plessis thinks Sean Strickland could go first as he believes it’s the title fight rematch that most UFC fans want to see right now.
