“History has been written! To everyone who believed in me – thank you for the incredible support! To those who didn’t believe… Well, now you look like dumbasses!” the South African wrote on social media, posting a photo with a glass of beer and his championship belt. “This is Africa – we are not afraid of anything or anyone! Thank you South Africa – I am honored to represent our beautiful nation”
The middleweight title fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis headlined UFC 297 in Toronto went the full distance and ended in a split decision victory for the South African fighter by scores of 47-48 and 48-47 twice.
UFC head Dana White said at the post-event press conference that he considered the American the winner, but made it clear that Strickland should not expect an immediate rematch.
Earlier, Israel Adesanya, Hamzat Chimaev, and Alex Pereira, who holds the UFC bantamweight title, announced their desire to share the octagon with Dricus Du Plessis.