Dricus du Plessis will be squaring off with his biggest opponent, Israel “Izzy” Adesanya, in a pair of custom shorts, paying tribute to South Africa.
The 30-year-old will defend his UFC middleweight title in a match against his biggest rival, Israel “Izzy” Adesenya, on Sunday, 18 August, in Perth, Australia.
He will be accompanied into the ring by Springboks Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth.
DRICUS DU PLESSIS SHOWS OFF HIS CUSTOM SHORTS
In an Instagram post by UFC, both Dricus du Plessis and Izzy Adesanya gave their fans a glimpse of their custom shorts for the fight.
Dricus’s shorts featured all the colours of the South African flag as well as a bright Ndebele pattern.
In another clip, the excited fighter exclaims: “Oh, wow! Nice” after checking out his fight attire.
@ufc Dricus Du Plessis finally got a look at his custom shorts up close! #dricusduplessis #ufc #mma ♬ original sound – UFC
Just one day before his fight, the Springboks will face the Wallabies again in their second consecutive Rugby Championship match, which will also take place in Perth.
Dricus told KFM: “The Boks are playing, they are the pride of South Africa, and then I’m fighting, all on the same weekend. Talk about stars aligning”.
‘I FIGHT FOR MY COUNTRY’
In an interview with UFC, Dricus – nicknamed “Stillknocks” – revealed the motivation behind his quest to retain his title.
He said: “We’re so proud of our country and when we achieve something. That’s what drives me when I get in there. I fight for something much, much bigger than myself, my own goals.
“It plays a role, but when I’m wearing that flag, I can’t do anything else than be exceptional because it’s much bigger than myself.”
ARE YOU BACKING DRICUS OR IZZY TO WIN THE TITLE?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing [email protected] or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.