Date, time for Dricus du Plessis’ UFC title bout

Dricus du Plessis, nicknamed “Stillknocks”, is set for a highly anticipated bout against Strickland for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title belt.

The fight will headline the card on Saturday, 20 January, with the clash set to get under way around 10pm at the venue. However, due to the seven hour time difference between Canada and South Africa, viewers in Mzansi will only watch the bout from about 5am on Sunday, 21 January.

WATCH: Springboks rally around Dricus du Plessis

SuperSport have already confirmed that South Africans will be able to enjoy the fight in three official languages: English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa, while UFC 297 fight night will be available to DStv Compact customers on two channels: SuperSport Action on channel 210, as well as SuperSport Variety, channel 208.

“Our multi-language offering in football, rugby and cricket has proven hugely successful with sports fans across the spectrum and SuperSport is proud to add a historic first for UFC 297, where Dricus du Plessis is aiming to make South African fighting history,” said SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.

“We saw how his now-iconic phrase, ‘Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie’ (They don’t know what we know), galvanised the Springboks on their way to retaining the Rugby World Cup in France this year.

“With the addition of Afrikaans and isiXhosa to the English commentary for DStv Compact subscribers, it means the country can rally behind Dricus and enjoy the bout in a uniquely South African manner.”

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All eyes on Dricus du Plessis

Du Plessis is aiming to become the first South African mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to hold a title belt at the prestigious UFC level, which comes at a time when the 29-year-old is on an eight-fight winning streak.

Du Plessis earned his shot at the UFC middleweight title after defeating Australian Robert Whittaker in a second-round TKO in July.

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SPRINGBOKS BACK THEIR BOYTJIE

Du Plessis is a staunch Springboks supporter and attend several of the South Africa’s World Cup playoff matches, including the final against the All Blacks.

Video clips of Du Plessis wildly celebrating the Springboks’ title triumph in the stadium went viral at the time.

After defeating Whittaker, he also shared his now-famous phrase: “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know).

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