UFC Champion Dricus Du Plessis Attends Manchester United Pre-Season Match in Chicago
- UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis made a surprise appearance at Manchester United's pre-season match against AFC Bournemouth in Chicago
- The proud Red Devils supporter brought his UFC belt to the game and was featured as a special guest on the club’s official social media platforms
- Du Plessis is set to defend his title in Chicago just days before United begins their 2025/26 Premier League season against Arsenal
UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis made a headline-grabbing appearance as a special guest at Manchester United's pre-season summer series clash against AFC Bournemouth on Thursday morning.
The South African fighter, who is a staunch Red Devils supporter, was spotted in full United colours, proudly posing with his championship belt. His presence was acknowledged on Manchester United’s official social media platforms, confirming his VIP status at the fixture held in Chicago.
Source: Getty Images
Du Plessis is set to defend his UFC title against Khamzat Chimaev on the 17th of August, the same weekend United kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a high-stakes opener against Arsenal.
He posted snaps online, drawing admiration and excitement from fans, especially fellow South Africans, who flooded social media with reactions celebrating the crossover moment between football and MMA.
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Here’s how netizens reacted:
@DayScholar71:
"I've never seen any other sports personalities do this for other Premier League clubs."
@fredlingo247:
"When you're a @ManUtd fan, you're destined for greatness."
@DreadHeadTen:
"Big man ting."
@robzofcourse10:
"United."
@FirInTheBlanks:
"I wish @CMPunk was there."
@_allofBOADU:
"Thought that was the new goalie."
@alvinUnited10:
"I don't know much about him, but all I know is I'm his biggest fan from now on. 🤗"
@BayitseEllis:
"Saying United has a title to win next season."
See the photo below:
@AdebunmiMichea1:
"Thought that was Luke Shaw, lol."
@Victor_omonowa_:
"♥️💐"
@utd_ziggy:
"Seen this earlier. Just realised now that this isn't Luke Shaw. 😭😂"
@Axesh2395:
"❤️❤️❤️❤️"
@MasiloPapi11:
"No DNA, just RSA. 🇿🇦👑🔥"
@ChumaniJ:
"No DNA, just RSA. 🧬🇿🇦"
@EdwardForgive:
"Legend. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Source: Getty Images
Du Plessis eyes his third title defence
Du Plessis, undefeated in the UFC since his debut in 2020, captured the middleweight title earlier in 2024 by edging Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 297.
He followed up with a spectacular fourth-round submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, before defeating Strickland again, this time by unanimous decision, in a rematch at UFC 312 in February.
See the tweet below about the fight:
Chimaev finally gets his shot at gold
Chimaev, long touted as a future champion, remains unbeaten since joining the UFC but has faced setbacks due to injuries and health issues. Despite his inconsistent appearances, the Chechen-born Swede has thrilled fans with his aggressive style, securing eight victories in the Octagon, six of them by stoppage.
His most recent bout was a statement win, submitting former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308, a performance that earned the 2024 Submission of the Year honours and finally propelled him into a title shot.
Why UFC Africa won't happen yet
Briefly News previously reported that UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis shed light on why hosting a UFC event in South Africa remains unlikely for now.
He explained that ticket prices, which can reach nearly R1 million, are beyond what most locals can afford, making the event financially unviable. Du Plessis also pointed out that while South Africa has large venues, very few meet the UFC’s indoor arena standards.
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Source: Briefly News
