Dricus du Plessis, the UFC middleweight champion, has recently sparked controversy with his outspoken comments on the country’s governance and race-based laws.
In January 2024, he referred to the South African government as “the worst in the world,” a statement that drew criticism from various quarters, including Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa.
Now in February 2025, du Plessis praised U.S. President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk for criticizing South Africa’s race-based laws. He expressed support for their views, which further fueled debates among South Africans.
Despite the backlash, du Plessis has stood by his comments, asserting that “facts are facts.”
He emphasized his pride in being South African and his desire to bring pride to the country through his success in the UFC.
These statements have ignited discussions on social media, with some fans expressing disappointment, while others support his candidness.