Reminder: Time for Dricus du Plessis’ UFC title bout this weekend

Dricus du Plessis’ highly anticipated bout against Strickland for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title belt will headline the fight card on Saturday, 20 January.

However, South African viewers should take note that although the main bouts are set to get under way around 10pm at the venue, there is a seven hour time difference between Canada and South Africa.

Therefore, viewers in Mzansi will only watch the bout after 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.”

ALSO READ: Dricus Du Plessis gets his title shot in January 2024

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.

MUST READ | Dricus du Plessis makes bold Toronto vow

Backing for the South African heavy hitter

Popular American UFC commentator Joe Rogan has described the fighting style of Du Plessis as ‘awkward’

“Dricus is f**king scary. That, and that’s a guy who’s so big for 85, by the way… Well, also that’s after he got his [deviated septum fixed], which I think is a big factor…

“Dricus looks awkward when he fights. But that movement and awkwardness makes him difficult to time. It’s like his timing is off, and if you don’t have anybody that can initiate that kind of stutter step motion, that he does… It’s deceptively technical.” 

ALSO READ | Israel Adesanya cageside for Dricus du Plessis v Sean Strickland UFC 297 title fight