The Controversy Around Dricus du Plessis
Leading up to his successful title defense against Sean Strickland this past weekend, Dricus du Plessis sparked a heated conversation when he wore a T-shirt emblazoned with the words, “Trump prefers champions.
” He then went on to share his support for US President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk, two figures who are no strangers to controversy themselves.
This act of support came shortly after Trump pulled aid from South Africa in response to the country’s controversial Expropriation Act, which had sparked tensions.
Du Plessis, however, stood firm in his admiration for Trump, calling him “an amazing, amazing president” and expressing his excitement about Trump’s potential re-election.
He also made sure to give a special mention to Musk, praising him for “doing the right thing.”
A Political Statement or a Strategic Move?
While it’s clear that Du Plessis’ opinions are shaped by his political and cultural beliefs, there may also be a bit of strategy at play.
The world of UFC, much like other combat sports, thrives on headlines, dramatic storylines, and strong opinions.
Controversial remarks can do wonders for drawing attention and gaining visibility—something that’s not lost on Du Plessis.
In fact, he’s openly discussed how he becomes almost like two different people when preparing for a fight versus when the hype has died down.
The Dricus du Plessis who throws insults at opponents like Strickland in the lead-up to a match is a stark contrast to the more relaxed and playful Dricus du Plessis once the bout is over.
Playing to the Right Audience
There’s no doubt that Du Plessis is a supporter of both Trump and Musk, but he’s also well aware of the significance of targeting markets that can elevate his career.
While his political views may have alienated some of his South African supporters, they’ve likely earned him new attention in the U.S. market—a key demographic for UFC’s pay-per-view events.
The UFC thrives in the American market, so it’s easy to see why Du Plessis might see value in aligning himself with figures who hold significant sway there, even if it means making waves back home.
Support from Unexpected Places
Interestingly, Du Plessis’ stance hasn’t gone unchallenged in South Africa.
Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie came out in support of the fighter, arguing that differing opinions shouldn’t overshadow the pride of having a South African champion representing the country on the global stage.
McKenzie made his views clear on social media, writing, “A champion representing South Africa on the international stage entering the ring wearing the SA flag, I must now not support him because he did or said something I or you disagree with, you guys have gone mad. Well done Dricus du Plessis.”
The Bottom Line: More Than Just Politics
At the end of the day, Du Plessis knows how to use his platform both inside and outside the octagon.
While his political opinions are genuine, there’s likely more to his decisions than meets the eye.
It’s clear that Du Plessis has figured out how to leverage his position to capture the attention of key audiences—whether for his career, his brand, or his personal beliefs.
What do you think? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn