Dricus du Plessis, South Africa’s shining star in mixed martial arts, clinched a prestigious honor at the 2024 World MMA Awards, held on December 5 at the V*rgin Hotels Theatre in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 30-year-old fighter was named International Fighter of the Year after an extraordinary year in the UFC, marked by an undefeated streak and title defenses.
Du Plessis had a stellar run in 2024, defending his UFC Middleweight title twice and securing high-profile victories against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, Sean Strickland at UFC 297, and, most notably, Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. These wins solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
The South African’s triumph came in a competitive category, where he outshone fellow nominees Chihiro Suzuki, Ilia Topuria, Jack Della Maddalena, and Zhang Weili. His achievements have sparked mixed reactions among MMA fans on social media, particularly on Instagram, with many celebrating his rise while others debated the decision.
Du Plessis’ dominance in the octagon and this award have cemented his place among the world’s top fighters and brought pride to South Africa. The win also highlighted his relentless drive and exceptional talent, making him a global icon in the world of mixed martial arts.
