Gayton McKenzie has heaped praise on Dricus du Plessis after he lost his Middleweight World Champion title to Khamzat Chimaev at the UFC 319 on Saturday.
The undefeated Russian fighter dominated his five-round match against the South African MMA star.
GAYTON’S PRAISE FOR DRICUS DU PLESSIS
Minutes after he was dethroned of his title, Minister of Sports, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised Dricus du Plessis for his efforts.
He posted from his X account: “Dricus du Plessis, you made us proud as one of the great champions, and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today, but you will come back stronger.
“It was hard to watch, but you never gave up. You almost had him, and you’ll always be a legend. Chin up.”
Gayton’s post comes after he consoled the Springboks, who lost 38-22 to the Wallabies at Ellis Park.
He tweeted, “We’re still proud of you guys. A stumble on the road is part of all journeys. Let’s get them next week. Go Bokke.”
‘HE BEAT ME FAIR AND SQUARE’
In his interview after his defeat, Dricus du Plessis praised his opponent, Khamzat Chimaev, for
He said, “He deserves this 100 percent. “He beat me fair and square tonight; he was the better man.
Dricus vowed to avenge his loss and win his belt back.
He added, “I’ll be back stronger and better than ever.”
Addressing his home country, Dricus continued: “To everybody in South Africa, you all know this flag means the world to me. I am sorry to anyone I let down.
“I’ll be back stronger. South Africans, we rise and fight through adversity, and we will show the world that they still don’t know what we know.”
DO YOU THINK DRICUS DU PLESSIS WAS THE WEAKER OPPONENT?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
