Driscus Du Plessis: South African Heritage
When you watch Driscus Du Plessis in the Octagon, you see a fighter with a blend of power, precision, and relentless determination. However, what many fans may not know is that his story extends far beyond mixed martial arts. Du Plessis carries with him the weight of a rich cultural history that dates back to the 1600s, when his ancestors first arrived in South Africa.
In a recent interview, former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson asked Du Plessis about his native language. Du Plessis’ response opened a fascinating window into his heritage:
“Afrikaans is my mother tongue,” said Du Plessis. “It’s actually the youngest language in the world. It evolved from Dutch. My ancestors were Christians who fled France in the 1600s. I also speak a bit of Zulu and, of course, English.”
The ancestors Du Plessis referred to were likely the Huguenots, a group of Protestant Christians who faced severe persecution in Catholic-dominated France. Many Huguenots fled to various parts of the world, including South Africa, where they played a significant role in shaping the culture and economy of the region. Over time, their influence, combined with that of Dutch settlers, contributed to the development of the Afrikaans language.
Today, South Africa is a nation of incredible diversity, with 11 official languages and a variety of ethnic groups. Du Plessis embodies this multicultural heritage. While Afrikaans is the language he speaks at home with his wife, who also grew up in an Afrikaans-speaking family, he has adapted to using English in his professional life, particularly in MMA training:
Du Plessis explains, “At the gym, we communicate in English because we have people from all over: Congo, France, Germany, and different ethnic groups within South Africa, Everyone understands English, but at home, it’s Afrikaans for me.”
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The Significance of Afrikaans to Du Plessis
Afrikaans, often misunderstood outside of South Africa, is a language with deep historical roots and cultural significance. Emerging from Dutch in the 18th century, it has absorbed elements from indigenous African languages, Malay, and other European languages. Despite being the youngest fully developed language in the world, it has a rich literary and oral tradition. For Du Plessis, it’s more than just a means of communication—it’s a core part of who he is.
This connection to his roots may explain Du Plessis’ mental fortitude and pride. He has often spoken about fighting for more than just personal glory. Representing South Africa on the global stage means carrying the stories of his ancestors and the hopes of a nation with a complex, multifaceted identity.
Photo By Brendan Moran/Sportsfile via Getty Images
A Star in MMA
Driscus Du Plessis has rapidly gained attention for his performances in the UFC. Known for his finishing ability, he’s a two-time EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) champion in both the middleweight and welterweight divisions, and now he is the UFC Middleweight champion. His aggressive style and tactical adaptability make him a formidable opponent for anyone in his weight class.
Despite his success, Du Plessis remains humble and grounded, often attributing his resilience to his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his family and community. In a sport where mental toughness is as crucial as physical prowess, Du Plessis’ connection to his heritage gives him a unique edge.
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