Two world-class fire brand middleweight champions are expected to face off in the early hours of Sunday morning (SAST) in Toronto’s Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
BRICS’ South African contender Dricus du Plessis is attempting to become the first Pretoria-born crowned UFC champion.
du Plessis will take on all-time title winner U.S-born and bred Strickland Stevens, and both men are prepared to fight till the end for the crowning glory.
“The fighter that I am has been shaped by South African culture; we can do whatever we set our minds to,” du Plessis said in a recent UFC documentary.
“South Africa is right up there with the best MMA champions in the world,” he added.
WATCH: BGTN’s exclusive interview with du Plessis
“What makes me dangerous is that there is not going to be a moment in that fight where I am not going to take your head off and finish that fight”.
You can watch the fight on DSTV’s SuperSport.
South Africa’s rapid rising stars
Should du Plessis bring home the title, he will join the growing list of South Africa’s rising stars in various fields.
Earlier this week, South African comedian and former talk show host Trevor Noah became the first African to win an Emmy for Outstanding Talk Series.
South Africa’s world-class legal team captivated global audiences when the country became the first country to file genocide against Israel for its military action in Palestine.
Netizens worldwide took to social media to express gratitude and admiration for the legal team for putting together an impeccable and well-researched case for consideration.
In that week, Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, Adila Hassim SC, Max du Plessis SC, Tshidiso Ramogale, Lerato Zikalala, Sarah Pudifin-Jones and Professor John Dugard joined the list of rising local stars.
@kimsansan23 Free Free Palestine Now, Today….. ????????????????????????✊????✊????????????
♬ original sound – Kimmy
@feefz Thank you #southafrica for Standing up for humanity for injustice and for the rights of our brothers and sisters in #palestine #love #supporteachother #fyp #respect #peace #fypシ゚viral #havehope #havefaith #palestinewillbefree #???? ♬ original sound – ????FeeFz????
Last year, the country’s rugby team, the Springboks, won the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time.
@worldrugby Congrats @Springboks.rugby #WorldRugbyU20s ♬ original sound – Manchester City
A few months later, singer and musician Tyla became the first South African artist to perform in New York Times Square New Year’s Eve celebrations.
@timessquare.nyc We are still not over @Tyla’s STUNNING performance of “Water” in #TimesSquare ???????? #NYE #NewYearsEve #BallDrop #HappyNewYear ♬ original sound – Times Square NYC
NOW READ: Eight things you need to know about South Africa’s UFC star Dricus du Plessis
