Dricus du Plessis will defend his UFC middleweight championship against Sean Strickland in Sydney this weekend. Photo: AFP
Dricus du Plessis showed up at the UFC 312 media day in Sydney on Wednesday wearing a t-shirt printed with 'Trump prefers champions', making it clear where he stands amid what is currently happening between US President Donald Trump, South Africa, and the world at large.
Trump has accused South Africa of "confiscating land" and treating "certain classes of people" badly. South African-born Elon Musk also weighed in on the issue, accusing South Africa and President Cyril Ramaphosa of "having openly racist laws".
The claims have been heavily criticised and refuted by the South African Government.
Ahead of his second title defence in Sydney on Saturday, UFC middleweight champion, Du Plessis took a stand in favour of Trump and Musk.
"With everything going on right now, change is coming, good changes. Big shoutout to fellow South African Elon Musk for also doing the right thing. Trump prefers champions," said Du Plessis.
"With Trump being re-elected, which is absolutely incredible, I think he's an amazing, amazing president. I've had the privilege of meeting him."
Right after addressing the matter, the 30-year-old Pretoria-based fighter explained how he has the whole nation supporting him ahead of his title.
"Losing is not an option. I have a whole nation backing me," he said. "We're going to die trying, that's the only way."
Du Plessis will defend his title against Sean Strickland at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on Saturday. Thus far, Du Plessis has received a lot of support from the country in his eight-fight UFC career with hundreds of people flocking to OR Tambo International Airport upon his arrival when he became champion a year ago.
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