'Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie': Du Plessis' UFC delirium sends SA into joyous tailspin

Dricus du Plessis’ heart-warming Ultimate Fighting Championship middleweight title win over Sean Strickland at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Sunday morning stoked South African passions and brought the Mixed Martial Arts competitor heart congratulations.

Du Plessis saw off Strickland to become the first South African to clinch UFC gold, with various sporting personalities taking time to celebrate his success.

Du Plessis, who reeled off the Springboks’ famous line from the 2023 Rugby World Cup 'Hulle weet nie wat ons weet' (They don't know what we know), was a staunch Bok supporter during the World Cup.

SA rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, who will also be doubling up as Bok coach this year, was one of those who offered congratulations to Du Plessis on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"Dricus ons is almal vreeslik trots op jou. Danko vir wat jy beteken en doen vir ???? Jy’s n absolute Yster & warrior. You fight a lonely sport without a lot of support but you did it! Enjoy the celebrations you deserve it. Lekka!," Erasmus posted.

Dricus ons is almal vreeslik trots op jou. Danko vir wat jy beteken en doen vir ???? Jy’s n absolute Yster & warrior. You fight a lonely sport without a lot of support but you did it! Enjoy the celebrations you deserve it. Lekka! ???? @dricusduplessis pic.twitter.com/wZPNpJzrnd

Sports, Arts and Culture minister Zizi Kodwa also weighed in on the wave of congratulations, saying Kodwa had done the country proud.

"South Africans, we have an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion. Congratulations @dricusduplessis. You have raised our country’s flag. Enjoy the moment. You have made the whole country proud! #UFC297," Kodwa said.

South Africans, we have an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC)