IN the world of combat sports, confidence and self-belief are at the core of any athlete’s success.
The slightest signs of doubt in the world of mixed martial arts will get exposed inside the octagon.
From the moment Dricus du Plessis, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion, set foot in the octagon, he has displayed the utmost confidence in his skill-set.
And now, going into his first title defence at the RAC Arena in Perth on Sunday against the two-time middleweight champion, Israel Adesanya, Du Plessis believes he will come out on top.
The South African has adopted a slightly different mental approach to the fight, one he believes will see him emerge victorious this weekend.
“In my mind, I’m going to fetch that belt. I’m not going out there to defend my title. When I walk out to that octagon, the belt is vacant and I’m fighting for that title,” Du Plessis told the media yesterday.
“I am getting past Israel! The same guy that was willing to die to win that belt is willing to die once again and kill to get that belt.”
First title defense incoming 👀@DricusDuPlessis | #UFC305 pic.twitter.com/IkBKtldm9A
— UFC (@ufc) August 14, 2024
Despite having fought in foreign countries during his four-year career, the 30-year-old will now have great support in the RAC Arena on Sunday.
South Africans who reside in Perth, the whole Springbok rugby team, and even the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, will be in attendance.
Bok captain Siya Kolisi and lock Eben Etzebeth are set to walk out Du Plessis and his corner to the octagon, with the main card of UFC 305 starting at 6am SA time.
Du Plessis, as any South African would be, is excited to have his heroes by his side for what is the biggest fight of his career, and he has extra motivation to win the title for the country once again.
Perth crowd showed OUT for open workouts 🔥#UFC305 is getting closer! pic.twitter.com/DuOV7ps7Em
— UFC (@ufc) August 15, 2024
“It’s a massive privilege. They are our heroes … they are the mighty Springboks,” Du Plessis described his emotions, having confirmed the world champions’ attendance at the fight.
“We have the Minister of Sport from South Africa coming to watch the fight. Four or five weeks ago, I asked if there was any chance we could make this happen. We started going after it, and thank you to the UFC for making this possible.”
Dana White, the president of the UFC, has promised to push for Du Plessis to fight in South Africa should he beat Adesanya at UFC 305 this weekend.
Du Plessis emphasised how he has always dreamt of being the fighter who would be responsible for bringing the biggest MMA promotion to SA and the continent at large.
Champ trying out the gold 🏆@DricusDuPlessis | #UFC305 pic.twitter.com/Dj4y1ma60O
— UFC (@ufc) August 15, 2024
“It’s a massive goal that I’ve had for many years, thinking I want to bring the UFC to Africa and South Africa. It would be another massive goal in my life ticked,” he said.
“It’s so much bigger than myself. The belt resembles the fact that South Africa and Africa are being considered to host the first UFC. It represents my flag, my country on the biggest stage in the world.”