By Jason Bolton August 14, 2024 03:27
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Dricus du Plessis is a familiar name in Mexican martial arts (MMA), and he also comes from Welkom, which originates from inside the Free State of South Africa. Du Plessis, the first South African to wear a UFC Middleweight Champion belt, was shaped by his journey there and back through Port Elizabeth.Nestled in the heart of South Africa's Free State, Welkom is not just a town but a crucible of culture, resilience, and sportsmanship. Born from the gold rush of the 1940s, this town has evolved from a transient settlement into a vibrant community, rich in diversity and steeped in the values of hard work and camaraderie. As the birthplace of the first South African UFC Middleweight Champion, Welkom's influence on du Plessis's journey from local enthusiast to international sports icon is undeniable. Join us as we explore how Welkom's distinctive environment and community spirit have shaped not only a champion but also the dreams and aspirations of its people.
Background of Welkom
Established as a gold mining town in the 1940s, Welkom means welcome in Afrikaans. It falls within the larger Matjhabeng municipality and is a region rich in mineral wealth, principally gold. The city was constructed to handle the transitory population of workers sucked in by the gold surge and developed quickly as a result. Today, Welkom is recognized for its distinctive appearance, flat-top mined-out mesas, and surrounding disused mining facilities. It has become somewhat trendy for Afrikaans families from the Gauteng urban areas due to the relatively crime-free sandy playground city.
Its predominant activity has always been mining, but 20 years ago, it diversified into organic agriculture and small businesses. Welkom is indeed a town characterized by economic challenges, including a decrease in population, but it proudly retains its vibrant community with an identity of its own.
Local Culture and Environment
The main languages spoken are Afrikaans, English, and Sesotho, which highlights the diversity of this town. Events and live music celebrate the culture of South Africa; dance is on almost every corner, and all the sound systems and amazing vibes all together promote that everyone feels at home.
Welkom and the surrounding areas are known for their highveld grasses, making this a unique landscape to visit from an urban backdrop. The surrounding terrain has afforded the former South African captain ample space to partake in outdoor activities, aiding his physical development and those strong bones of steel.
Early Life and Experiences
Dricus du Plessis grew up in the changing climate of high-level sports, which were all around him as it was his nature. At age 5, he began with judo, followed by wrestling at twelve and then Kickboxing at fourteen. This introduction to martial arts helped pave the way early in his life and set him on a path of MMA stardom.
Du Plessis was born and raised in a household that valued sport and physical fitness. Meader was grateful to his family, particularly his father, for helping cultivate his athletic skills. Discipline, hard work, and commitment became his life's mantra, molding him as a sportsman beyond the ropes.
He has frequently talked in interviews about the impact of his home city's city on his becoming a warrior. To help fund his athletic pursuits,he works within the local sports community and recognizes that this supportive network is combined with our country's love of sports. "Being from Welkom, I was taught community and backing one's own," he said.
Community Backing and Impact
Local area sports clubs and organizations offered him the opportunity to exercise and enhance his expertise. In Welkom, camaraderie among athletes meant a competitive but supportive culture that allowed du Plessis to push himself.
In Welkom, many young athletes are doing well and have been inspired byDricus's success. His feature on The Local Talent has shone the spotlight on what local talent can achieve, and he has inspired others to follow their sporting dreams, too. They are proud of du Plessis, who speaks to himself now and to the dreams of others in Welkom host.
Workout Routine
The costs Du Plessis pays to train himself have certainly increased since his early years in Welkom. He trained in judo, wrestling, and Kickboxing before finding his way to submission grappling. His desire to excel in these arts helped him reach a competitive level, where he eventually clinched the 2012 WAKO World Champions held in Indore.
Of course, kickboxing's financial constraints saw du Plessis transition to mixed martial arts, where more opportunities for success lie. From there, he moved to Pretoria, where he started his career at Team CIT MMA under well-known coach Morne Visser. The move was the turning point in his career; it gave him a stage to hone himself and get on top among the best.
Du Plessis is noted for his intense training, strength and conditioning, and technical drills, but especially sparring. He often talks in interviews about the mental energy required to fight, and he is keen on stressing, especially to you, who have never stepped into a ring.
An incredible tale of the underdog, Dricus du Plessis went from Welkom to the top of MMA with nothing but resilience and community behind him. His roots have been the foundation for shaping who he is as a fighter, instilling him with virtues and giving him experiences that molded his character to propel him to victory. While du Plessis continues to forge a bright future in the UFC, he is also proud of all his hometown has done for him and how everyone from Welkom can be sure they are represented by someone who knows what it takes to live their dreams.
SHOP Mystery Signed Memorabilia
-
Mystery Signed Football 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Football Jersey
- Regular price
- $69.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $69.99
- Unit price
- / per
-
Mystery Signed Baseball 8x10 Photo
- Regular price
- $29.99
- Regular price
-
- Sale price
- $29.99
- Unit price
- / per
LATEST
- NEWS
- |
- ARTICLES
- |
- VIDEOS
UFC
Dricus Du Plessis' Net Worth Unveiled: An Insig...
By Fan Arch
Tue, Aug 13, 2024
UFC
Uncovering Kai Kara France's Training Grounds: ...
By Oliver Wiener
Tue, Aug 13, 2024
UFC
What If Conor McGregor Never Fought in the UFC?
By Edcel Panganiban
Thu, Aug 08, 2024
UFC
How Would the UFC Landscape Shift if Ronda Rous...
By Edcel Panganiban
Thu, Aug 08, 2024
UFC
How Would the UFC Be Different if Anderson Silv...
By Fan Arch
Thu, Aug 08, 2024
UFC
UFC Fighter Pay: The Controversy Over Contracts...
By Jason Bolton
Wed, Aug 07, 2024
UFC
UFC's Weight Cutting Controversy: Health Risks ...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Aug 07, 2024
UFC
UFC and Mental Health: Addressing the Silent St...
UFC
Doping in UFC: The Fight Against Performance-En...
By Arslan Saleem
Wed, Aug 07, 2024
UFC
UFC's Commercialization: Is It Compromising the...
By Jason Bolton
Wed, Aug 07, 2024
UFC
Ronda Rousey: The Evolution of Women’s MMA
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Aug 06, 2024
UFC
The Rise of the UFC: How Mixed Martial Arts Too...
By Jason Bolton
Tue, Aug 06, 2024
UFC
Loopy Godinez: The Dynamic UFC Fighter Shaping ...
By Fan Arch
Fri, Aug 02, 2024
UFC
What is Michael Bisping's Net Worth?
By Fan Arch
Mon, Jul 29, 2024
UFC
When is Paddy Pimblett's Next UFC Fight?
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jul 23, 2024
UFC
Unveiling Bob Sapp's NFL Career: Did the Renown...
By Oliver Wiener
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
UFC
An In-Depth Breakdown: Why Mike Perry Can Defea...
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jul 15, 2024
UFC
Dustin Poirier: Beyond the Octagon - A Look int...
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, Jul 12, 2024
UFC
What is Andrei Arlovski's Net Worth?
By Keith Mado
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
UFC
What Belt is Jason Momoa in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
By Keith Mado
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
UFC
Does Keanu Reeves Practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
By Keith Mado
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
UFC
Differences Between Jujitsu and Brazilian Jiu-J...
By Keith Mado
Thu, Jul 11, 2024
UFC
The Rise of Dana White's Power Slap: A New Era ...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jul 10, 2024
UFC
What is Jorge Masvidal's Net Worth in 2024?
By Edcel Panganiban
Tue, Jul 09, 2024
UFC
What is Nick Diaz's Net Worth in 2024?
By Edcel Panganiban
Tue, Jul 09, 2024
UFC
Why Did Conor McGregor Drop Out of UFC 303?
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, Jul 05, 2024
UFC
What is the Highest Attendance at Pride FC?
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, Jul 05, 2024
UFC
Did UFC Buy Pride FC?
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, Jul 05, 2024
UFC
The Rise and Fall of Pride Fighting Championshi...
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, Jul 05, 2024
UFC
Conor McGregor: Documenting His Roots in Ireland
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jul 03, 2024
UFC
Jared Leto: A Breakdown of the Ultimate UFC Fan
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jul 01, 2024
UFC
Tito Ortiz: A Legendary Journey in Mixed Martia...
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jul 01, 2024
UFC
Where Is Dana White From?
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, Jun 28, 2024
UFC
Seth Rollins Returns to WWE Raw: A Deep Dive in...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
UFC
How Did Suga Sean O'Malley Become Friends With ...
By Jocelyn Alano
Wed, Jun 26, 2024
UFC
Are Smelling Salts Allowed in the UFC?
By Jason Bolton
Mon, Jun 24, 2024
UFC
UFC's Historic Debut in Saudi Arabia: Impact an...
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jun 24, 2024
UFC
Why Is Paige VanZant So Polular in Combat Sports?
By Jocelyn Alano
Mon, Jun 24, 2024
UFC
What is Sean O Malley's Walk-Around Weight?
By Jason Bolton
Mon, Jun 24, 2024
UFC
How Tall Really Is Hasbulla?
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, Jun 21, 2024
UFC
Inside Look: UFC Saudi Arabia Main Event Bettin...
By Michael Kachan
Thu, Jun 20, 2024
UFC
Michael Chandler: Unveiling His Diet and Traini...
By Jocelyn Alano
Tue, Jun 18, 2024
UFC
What Makes Conor McGegor Such A Controversial F...
By Edcel Panganiban
Mon, Jun 17, 2024
UFC
Is Jon "Bones" Jones Married? Unraveling the Pe...
By Arslan Saleem
Mon, Jun 17, 2024
UFC
Dustin and Jolie Poirier: A Journey of Love, Sa...
By Oliver Wiener
Sun, Jun 16, 2024
UFC
Conor McGregor and Dee Devlin: The Power Couple...
By Jason Bolton
Sun, Jun 16, 2024
UFC
How Did UFC Rise to Popularity?
By Arslan Saleem
Mon, Jun 17, 2024
UFC
What Famous Movie Was Mike Tyson an Actor in?
By Jocelyn Alano
Fri, Jun 14, 2024
UFC
The Cancellation of the McGregor vs. Chandler F...
By Edcel Panganiban
Fri, Jun 14, 2024
More Stories
FAN ARCH PODCAST NETWORK