Vowed him a UFC Title Dricus Expresses Gratitude to His Father for Unfaltering Support
Vowed him a UFC Title Dricus Expresses Gratitude to His Father for Unfaltering Support
Despite his initial disapproval, UFC champion Dricus du Plessis has thanked his father Japie for supporting his MMA dreams…
Dricus du Plessis may not care what his UFC opponents or critics have to say, but the one whose opinion he really cares about is that of his father.
The world champion – who made history by becoming the first South African to win the title – has thanked his father for his unwavering support.
The Free State-born fighter revealed that his dad has been a firm fixture at his matches, despite his initial disapproval.
DRICUS SHOWS GETS EMOTIONAL OVER DAD’S SUPPORT
In an interview with SuperSport Unplugged, Dricus du Plessis thanked his parents – in particular his father Japie – for standing by his dream.
Both Japie and his wife Gerda du Plessis, as well as their two other sons and respective families, flew to Canada to watch Dricus win his UFC title.
The 30-year-old said: “I promised my dad I would get you that UFC title, because that was the one we needed.”
He continued: “They say your dad is the one guy who really wants you to be better than him…and to see what it meant for my mom and dad…was an absolutely incredible experience”.
View this post on Instagram
In an Instagram post, Dricus also reposted photos of him alongside his father over the years of his fighting career. The caption read: “Dricus’s dad has always been there”.
View this post on Instagram
‘DAD WASN’T HAPPY’
According to Code Sports, the MMA star said his dream was to become a Springbok initially. And as a professional rugby star who played in the U19 Currie Cup for the Blue Bulls, this almost became a reality.
The then-teen had a sports scholarship to study at the University of Pretoria. But Dricus ditched his plans at the last minute and took up fighting.
He told the publication: “Dad wasn’t happy at all, because I was still an amateur, and he didn’t know what I was going to do for money.
“He also had to pay for all my studies, but I just loved fighting so much.”
View this post on Instagram
