South Africa had a remarkable weekend, with two major victories that have left the nation jubilant.
The Springboks clinched back-to-back wins in Australia for the first time in over five decades, while UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis successfully defended his title against Israel Adesanya.
Springboks Dominate in Australia
The Springboks continued their winning streak in Australia, securing their second consecutive victory.
The #Springboks have beaten the Wallabies in difficult conditions in Perth and will return home with a full house of 10 log points from their two Castle Lager Rugby Championship Tests in Australia 🙌#ForeverGreenForeverGold #AUSvRSA pic.twitter.com/jBoC3dHge8
— Springboks (@Springboks) August 17, 2024
This historic achievement has ignited a wave of national pride and excitement.
Dricus du Plessis Defends Title
Dricus du Plessis walks out with Siya Kolisi and Eben etsebeth to the national anthem 🇿🇦
Dricus Du Plessis (South Africa) vs Israel Adesanya (Nigeria) #dricusduplessis pic.twitter.com/7tgFvuWg0T
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) August 18, 2024
Dricus du Plessis, South Africa’s first and only UFC world champion, showcased his dominance in the octagon.
He successfully defended his middleweight title against the legendary Israel Adesanya, solidifying his position as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.
Minister McKenzie Congratulates Champions
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie expressed his immense pride and congratulated both the Springboks and Dricus du Plessis for their outstanding achievements.
He praised Dricus for his sportsmanship and grace in victory.
Gayton McKenzie Bringing UFC to South Africa?
Minister McKenzie also revealed that efforts are underway to bring Dricus du Plessis’s next title defense to South Africa.
The UFC is keen on expanding its presence in Africa, and the presence of a South African champion makes this a more likely possibility.
This is who we are as a South Africans, one nation & sport crazy. Thank you @dricusduplessis, my voice is gone. Thanks @UFCNews for keeping your word. We doing this things on home soil 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ozgVYawJ9P
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 18, 2024
Congratulations, Dricus Du Plessis, on retaining your UFC middleweight world championship with a submission in #UFC305.
As a bonus, you kept our Flag flying hours after the Springboks scored an historic a 2-0 series win in Perth as well. We couldn’t wish for a better day in the… pic.twitter.com/oxwTsAEF5Q
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 18, 2024
