UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has thanked fans for their support.

Summary

In a heartfelt press conference, the first South African UFC champion expresses gratitude towards supporters for their presence, emphasizing the significance of community support in his historic victory. The champion recounts the nerve-wracking moments during the judges' decision, humorously reflecting on the impact of his green shorts on the outcome. He acknowledges the step up to winning the world title and hints at aspirations for conquering another weight division, underscoring his determination to defend his title and prove his prowess. The conversation also touches on the champion's inspiration from the Springboks' spirit, embodying the resilience and perseverance characteristic of South Africans. The event concludes with the champion addressing future plans, the importance of his support team, and his role in opening opportunities for South African fighters in UFC.

Takeaways

• 😊 Dros is thankful for the support from South Africans in attending his UFC fight
• 👊 Dros felt he did enough to win the close split decision UFC fight
• 💪 Dros sees the UFC title as just the beginning, with plans to move up weight classes
• 🇿🇦 Dros credits the South African spirit for pushing him through adversity to win
• 🥊 The UFC title win was like the Springboks' Rugby World Cup win - with one point
• 🔜 Dros plans to defend his UFC title 2-3 times before moving up a weight class
• 🥇 Dros has envisioned winning the UFC title since he was 15-16 years old
• 👨‍🏫 Dros credits his coaches for 11+ years of work to achieve this win
• 🌍 The UFC win opens opportunities for more South African fighters to join UFC
• ❤️ Dros thanks the fans, without them there is no sport at all

Q & A

What was going through Dras' mind when the judges were calling out the scores?

Dras thought he had done enough to win the fight but was still nervous because he knew it could go either way when it goes to the judges. He said he had never prayed so hard in his life while waiting for the decision.

How does Dras plan to prove he is the undisputed middleweight champion?

Dras plans to defend his title 2-3 times to prove undoubtedly that he is the best middleweight on the planet before considering moving up a weight class.

How did the Springboks inspire Dras' perseverance in the fight?

Dras says the Springboks and himself personify what South Africans are capable of - persevering through the hardest times and still emerging victorious, just as the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup by one point.

What are Dras' plans for hosting a UFC title fight in South Africa?

Dras called out Israel Adesanya and said UFC 300 would be the perfect event to host that fight in South Africa, if his body recovers from his injuries sustained in this last fight.

What motivates Dras to keep moving forward and take hits during a fight?

Dras says having the South African flag behind him and representing the country is a huge motivator to persevere through pain and keep advancing during a fight.

How did Dras envision this moment of becoming a UFC champion?

Dras says he envisioned becoming UFC champion since he was 15-16 years old. He always believed 100% it would happen one day.

Has Dras heard anything from Sean Strickland after their fight?

Dras said his inbox has been flooded so he hasn't checked recent messages, but will follow up if he hears anything from Strickland regarding their confrontation.

Who are some of the unsung heroes behind Dras' success?

Dras credits his longtime coach Mornay Fy, his teammates, and other coaches like Neil Ellis who don't get the spotlight but have put in many hours of work to help him achieve this.

When will Dras start training again after this fight?

Dras said he will take about a week off to rest and enjoy the fruits of his labor before resuming training. He believes it's important to recover mentally and physically between fights.

How does having the South African flag behind him influence Dras' performance?

Dras says the flag motivates him tremendously because he's not just fighting for himself, but representing an entire nation and continent. It gives him added perseverance and pride.