If Dricus Du Plessis can beat champion Sean Strickland at their UFC 297 middleweight title bout next week, he will become the first South African middleweight champion in the history of the UFC. Not that he needs more motivation after his recent bad blood with Strickland, who talked trash about Du Plessis and his coach, suggesting they have an intimate relationship in the UFC 296 press conference.

To this, ‘Stillknocks’ promised to beat up Strickland so badly that he would forget the violence his abusive father used to subject him to. Despite this, UFC CEO Dana White had the genius idea of seating them just a few seats apart, leading to a brawl at UFC 296. This has motivated both men and Du Plessis’ coach has revealed their strategy for the Strickland fight on the ‘Countdown’ for UFC 297.

Dricus Du Plessis credits team for success

On the Countdown episode for UFC 297, Du Plessis and his coach Morne Visser spoke about what the out means for them. On the eve of his student getting a chance at the biggest title in the sport, Visser said that he had refused to talk to the UFC for Du Plessis until he could win the local EFC title. “If you want to become a champion in what’s given to you locally, why do want to think to go fight elsewhere?” the coach asked rhetorically.

The episode also gave an insight into how team Du Plessis is approaching the championship bout and their game plan going into it. “I want speed, I want power. This is a power fight. That’s what these numbers are all about. Give me horsepower,” he could be heard telling Du Plessis during a training session.

Du Plessis admitted that going to the UFC had been a massive change. He credited his team’s “camaraderie” and “selflessness” for being the key to his success. ‘Stillknocks’ felt his becoming champion would be a monumental moment not only for him but also for his country

‘DDP’ wants to prove South Africa can produce champions

On the episode, Du Plessis felt a victory over Strickland next week will not only prove his personal worth as a fighter but also be a win for South African MMA. It will show the world, according to him, that South Africa too has what it takes to produce world-class, championship-pedigree mixed martial artists.

Also read: Khamzat Chimaev Put on Alert After Glaring Flaws Against Kamaru Usman as Undefeated Bo Nickal Throws Down Future Challenge

“For me to go and become the first South African UFC champion, it would mean the world to us. Because this is not me just becoming champion, this is a complete team effort. To show that we have everything it takes to make it to the big stage and be the best on the big stage right here in South Africa,” he added.

Watch this story: Jorge Masvidal And Chael Sonnen Go Back And Forth