Dricus Du Plessis makes history as the first African-born middleweight champion in the UFC. Read about the epic showdown and the potential rematch with Israel Adesanya.
| UFC 297: Dricus Du Plessis Makes History |
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| Dricus Du Plessis defeats Sean Strickland to become the first African-born middleweight champion in the UFC. |
| Du Plessis challenges Israel Adesanya to settle their score. |
| UFC President Dana White aims to bring UFC Africa to fruition in 2024. |
| Khamzat Chimaev emerges as a potential challenger for Du Plessis. |
| The middleweight division undergoes an intriguing transformation. |
UFC 297: Dricus Du Plessis Makes History
The UFC’s first pay-per-view event of 2024 showcased a brutal middleweight title fight and highlighted the emergence of Canada’s top MMA stars. In a thrilling main event, Dricus Du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland to become the first-ever African-born middleweight champion in the history of the UFC.
Du Plessis, hailing from South Africa, has garnered a massive following in his home country and has a long-standing rivalry with former champion Israel Adesanya. With this victory, Du Plessis has set the stage for a potential showdown with Adesanya, who may be considering a return to the Octagon after his previous title loss to Strickland.
The Road to UFC Africa
For years, UFC President Dana White has expressed his desire to bring the UFC to Africa, envisioning unique events reminiscent of classic boxing spectacles like the Rumble in the Jungle. With Du Plessis’ triumph, White sees an opportunity to make this dream a reality.
Du Plessis’ journey to the title has been intertwined with the complex history of South Africa and colonization. He has always aimed to be the first true African champion, emphasizing his connection to the continent by living and training there. This distinction has drawn criticism from Adesanya and other African-born champions like Francis Ngannou and Kamaru Usman, who have relocated.
A Potential Showdown
Following his victory, Du Plessis wasted no time in calling out Adesanya, challenging him to return to the UFC and settle their score. The heated rivalry between the two fighters adds an extra layer of intrigue to a potential matchup.
However, if Adesanya is not ready to make his comeback, another formidable challenger awaits Du Plessis. Khamzat Chimaev, who recently defeated former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, could be a compelling opponent for the newly crowned champion.
The Evolving Middleweight Division
UFC President Dana White envisions a rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland in the future. The middleweight division is undergoing a fascinating transformation, with new contenders emerging and captivating storylines unfolding.
White’s ultimate goal is to bring UFC Africa to fruition in 2024, showcasing a newly crowned, African-born champion. The stage is set for an exhilarating chapter in the history of the UFC’s middleweight division .
