Fans in Pretoria Go Wild After Dricus du Plessis Split Decision Win Over Sean Strickland

• Pricus du Plessis made history by becoming the first UFC champion from South Africa
• In his hometown of Pretoria, fans rejoiced as he secured the Middleweight belt
• The judges awarded the South African the victory with scores of 48-47, 47-48, 48-47

Pretoria fans erupted in celebration as their local star, Dricus du Plessis, made history by becoming the first South African to secure a UFC championship in Toronto.

Going up against the American Sean Strickland for the UFC Middleweight title, du Plessis emerged victorious in a closely contested bout that resulted in a split decision by the judges.

The scores were 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47 in favor of the South African fighter.

Footage captured from the streets of Pretoria depicted a lively gathering of enthusiastic fight fans who were avidly watching UFC 297.

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The moment the judges announced du Plessis as the winner, the hometown crowd went into a wild celebration, marking a historic and joyous occasion for the South African champion.

The video titled 'Scenes in Pretoria!' was posted by South African broadcaster SuperSport on X (previously Twitter), capturing the jubilant reactions of fans in Pretoria.

The footage depicted fans celebrating with cheers and hugs as the victory was officially confirmed.

One fan proudly displayed the South African flag, while another enthusiastically looked into the camera, shouting 'DDP!' in homage to the 30-year-old athlete who etched his name into the history books with a historic win in Canada.

Securing a victory over Strickland, du Plessis improved his UFC career record to 21-2. The confrontation between the two had escalated in the audience during UFC 296 in Las Vegas the previous month.

Dana White praises Dricus du Plessis

Sports Brief earlier reported how UFC President Dana White praised South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis.

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White went into detail about what made the former EFC champion such a good fighter, ahead of his title fight.

The UFC President then promised that the fighting juggernaut would come to Africa if Stillknocks won.

How Dricus du Plessis defeated Strickland

Sports Brief also reported on how Dricus du Plessis became the UFC Middleweight Champion of the world

The South African MMA fighter defeated Sean Strickland via split decision to claim the title in the main event of UFC 297.