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Financial, venue issues KO's plans for Dricus du Plessis' title defence on home soil

Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, faced significant financial and venue challenges that prevented him from defending his title on home soil after the sanctioning body opted to stage the bout in Chicago, USA

Sport MMA
Herman Gibbs|Published

Watch VideoHeartbreak for Cameron Saaiman as SA star suffers first-round knockout at UFC fight night

South Africa’s Cameron Saaiman suffered a first-round knockout loss to Malcolm Wellmaker at UFC Fight Night: Machado Garry vs Prates in Kansas City. After a strong start, Saaiman was caught with a counter right hook, ending his comeback hopes in under two minutes.

Sport MMA
Julian Kiewietz|Published

Conor McGregor, fighting Irishman with political ambition

MMA fighter-turned-politician Conor McGregor's political career has been given props by US President Donald Trump.

Sport MMA
AFP|Published

Conor McGregor appeals rape case as he begins presidential election bid

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor faces a pivotal moment as his legal team challenges a civil court rape verdict, while simultaneously launching an ambitious bid for Ireland's presidency.

Sport
AFP|Published

Watch VideoIs the age of domination by Dricus du Plessis in the UFC just getting started?

Having just celebrated his 31st birthday last month, Dricus Du Plessis could remain at the top of the UFC for at least another few years.

Sport MMA
Michael Sherman|Published

Your ultimate guide to MMA after Dricus du Plessis' UFC triumph against Sean Strickland

South African UFC champion Dricus du Plessis has done much to popularised Mixed Martial Arts, but did you know that the rules of the game outlaw biting, spitting, or striking your opponent on the back of the head?

Sport MMA
Mthobisi Nozulela|Published

Watch Video‘I can’t believe you got uglier!’ Dricus du Plessis tells Sean Strickland after broken nose

After the fight, the pair of Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland seemed to leave their battle mindsets behind and instead shared in a bit of banter.

Sport MMA
Michael Sherman|Published

UFC glory and R40 million: Dricus du Plessis’ reported earnings after Sean Strickland fight

South Africa's UFC champion Dircus du Plessis is laughing all the way to the bank after reportedly earning a whopping  $2. 14 million (R40 million) after his successful title defence against Sean Strickland in Australia on Sunday.

Sport MMA
Mthobisi Nozulela|Published

Watch VideoWhy do we put sportspeople like Dricus du Plessis on a pedestal?

Should the political views of Dricus du Plessis, which seemingly align with US President Donald Trump, be considered separately from his exploits in the octagon?

Sport MMA
Michael Sherman|Published

Watch VideoYou have gone mad SA! Support Dricus du Plessis, says Gayton McKenzie

The SA minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie said Dricus du Plessis still deserves the support of the Rainbow Nation, despite his affiliation with US President Donald Trump.

Sport MMA
Michael Sherman|Published

Watch VideoWhere was the SA flag? The curious case of Dricus du Plessis, Dana White, UFC, Donald Trump and our flag

Dricus du Plessis' impressive victory at UFC 312 was marred by the absence of the South African flag during the interviews, raising questions about the UFC's and potential political influences.

Sport MMA
John Goliath|Published

Watch VideoDricus du Plessis calls out Alex Pereira after UFC 312 domination of Sean Strickland

Dricus Du Plessis successfully defends his UFC Middleweight title against Sean Strickland and sets his sights on Light Heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Sport MMA
Julian Kiewietz|Published

Watch VideoDricus du Plessis makes light work of Sean Strickland to retain UFC middleweight title

Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his UFC middleweight title against Sean Strickland in a dominant performance at UFC 312 in Sydney.

Sport MMA
Published

Watch VideoDricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland: A clash of fighting styles at UFC 312

As Dricus Du Plessis's explosive power faces Sean Strickland's technical prowess, fight fans are in for a thrilling encounter.

Sport MMA
John Goliath|Published

Watch VideoDricus du Plessis vs Sean Strickland: Donald Trump love more than just UFC 312 sideshow

Explore how MMA fighters like Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis intertwine their political beliefs with their sporting careers, particularly their support for Donald Trump.

Sport MMA
John Goliath|Updated

Why Dricus du Plessis’ support of Trump, Musk has left South African sports fans out in the cold. . . again

As Dricus du Plessis makes headlines with his controversial Donald Trump endorsement, we unpack the broader impact of sports heroes who disappoint their fans.

Sport
Morgan Bolton|Published

Watch VideoSouth Africa's UFC champion Dricus du Plessis weighs in on GOAT debate, includes Conor McGregor

South Africa's UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has lauded Conor McGregor's influence on mixed martial arts, hailing him as one of the all-time greats in the sport. But he has also caused a stir by wearing a T-shirt that caused offence.

Sport MMA
Mthobisi Nozulela|Published

Watch VideoBully Conor McGregor spits in face of rival supporter after taunt

The man who was a supporter of Conor McGregor’s fierce rival Khabib Nurmagomedov was taunting the Irishman, but surely did not anticipate his reaction.

Sport MMA
Michael Sherman|Published

Watch VideoNo DNA, just RSA . . . Should South Africa still get behind Donald Trump supporter Dricus du Plessis?

Dricus du Plessis may have trouble keeping all his fans after he voiced his support for US President Donald Trump and his anti-SA stance.

Sport MMA
Michael Sherman|Published

UFC champion Dricus du Plessis: I would have preferred Khamzat Chimaev fight

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis openly expresses his preference for fighting Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland in his upcoming title defence at UFC 312, despite showing mutual respect for his scheduled opponent.

Sport
Ongama Gcwabe|Published

Mzansi reacts to Dricus du Plessis’ Trump supporter antics at UFC

South African UFC Champion Dricus du Plessis has sparked controversy by wearing a pro-Trump t-shirt at a Sydney press conference, amid growing tensions between South Africa and the US over land reform. The champion's choice of attire has drawn criticism from South African fans, with many expressing disappointment over his political statement.

Sport
IOL Reporter|Published

Dricus du Plessis insists ‘I’m a completely different fighter’ for Sean Strickland UFC 312 rematch

South African world champion Dricus du Plessis says that his UFC 312 title bout against Sean Strickland in Sydney on Sunday ‘won’t be going to the fifth (round)’.

Sport MMA
Ongama Gcwabe|Published

Watch VideoUFC 312 | Dricus du Plessis: Sean Strickland isn't serious about fighting to the death

Dricus du Plessis criticises Sean Strickland's defensive fighting style as boring and prioritises an aggressive approach in their upcoming rematch at UFC 312.

Sport MMA
Yolande Du Preez|Published

UFC champ Du Plessis will seek to land definitive statement on Strickland

South African UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis steps into the octagon at UFC 312 in Sydney, determined to silence critics with a decisive finish against former champion Sean Strickland. After their controversial split decision at UFC 297, Du Plessis aims to prove his dominance in this highly anticipated rematch.

Sport
Ongama Gcwabe|Published

LOOK | Dricus du Plessis' shows off body ahead of Sean Strickland title fight at UFC 312

Dricus du Plessis prepares to face Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated UFC 312 title defence in Sydney.

Sport MMA
John Goliath|Published