'History in our own words' - SuperSport brings Dricus UFC title bout in three languages

SuperSport is gearing up for an historic, uniquely South African first when Dricus du Plessis takes on Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, on 20 January 2024.

When Du Plessis, nicknamed “Stillknocks”, faces Strickland for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title belt, South Africans will enjoy the fight in three official languages: English, Afrikaans and isiXhosa.

After hearing the call from our passionate, diverse customers and sports lovers, SuperSport brings you, “History in our own words”.

It will be the first time a UFC fight will have commentary in three South African languages, heralding another milestone for the hugely popular multi-lingual offering that presently exists in live rugby, cricket and football matches.

UFC 297 fight night will be available to DStv Compact customers on two channels: SuperSport Action on channel 210, as well as SuperSport Variety, channel 208.

“Our multi-language offering in football, rugby and cricket has proven hugely successful with sports fans across the spectrum and SuperSport is proud to add a historic first for UFC 297, where Dricus du Plessis is aiming to make South African fighting history,” said SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha.

“We saw how his now-iconic phrase, ‘Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie’ (They don’t know what we know), galvanised the Springboks on their way to retaining the Rugby World Cup in France this year.

“With the addition of Afrikaans and isiXhosa to the English commentary for DStv Compact subscribers, it means the country can rally behind Dricus and enjoy the bout in a uniquely South African manner.”

Dricus is aiming to become the first South African mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter to hold a title belt at the prestigious UFC level.

The 29-year-old from Pretoria is on an eight-fight winning streak, six of which took place in the UFC, while the others were at EFC Africa in Pretoria and KSW 50 in London.

Du Plessis earned his shot at the UFC middleweight title by defeating Australian Robert Whittaker in a second-round TKO in July, during which he let out his now-famous phrase: “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know).

The mantra was also adopted by SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus during the Springboks’ successful Rugby World Cup title defence in France.

“Being World Champion(s) is what we are and I’m going to prove that come January 20th,” said Du Plessis at the official UFC 297 press conference in Las Vegas on Saturday.