Rassie Erasmus hailed Dricus du Plessis after the fighter made history by becoming South Africa’s first UFC champion on Sunday.
Du Plessis emulated the Springboks by claiming a one-point victory in his bout with the USA’s Sean Strickland, to be crowned the new middleweight UFC champion.
Following the fight, Springbok coach Erasmus hailed Du Plessis, who was in attendance when South Africa won the Rugby World Cup in Paris last year, as a “warrior”.
“We are all so proud of you,” Erasmus posted on Twitter. “You are an absolute star and a warrior like few [others]. You fight a lonely sport but you did it!
“Enjoy the celebrations and thank you for what you do for South Africa.”
@dricusduplessis ons is almal so trots op jou! Jy is n absolute Ster & warrior soos min! You fight a lonely sport with little support but you did it! Enjoy die celebrations and Danko for what you do for 🇿🇦 Flippen Yster lekka man “hulle sal nooit weet nie wat ons weet nie”! @ufc pic.twitter.com/MobesSDXVl
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) January 21, 2024
Springbok prop Ox Nche also celebrated Du Plessis’ triumph, posting the fighter’s famous catchphrase: “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie [They don’t know what we know]”.
Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie 🇿🇦🥊 🏆#UFC pic.twitter.com/u5aXa8DVqB
— Retshegofaditswe Nche (@oxnche) January 21, 2024
Photo: Canadian Press/Shutterstock/BackpagePix
