Dricus Du Plessis, with an undefeated UC record, is brimming with confidence with momentum on his side ahead of his UFC 312 title rematch against Sean Strickland. Reflecting on his journey, we recall a notable moment during one of the middleweight champ’s triumphs where, after securing a victory, he shared a kiss on the lips with his coach, Morne Visser. This unexpected display certainly caught the attention of everyone in the fight business, raising more than a few eyebrows.

Dricus Du Plessis and his coach have shared celebratory moments, including a kiss after victories. After his impressive win against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, certain older clips with his coach gained attention. While some MMA fans globally found it puzzling, some African fans suggested it could be rooted in cultural practices. So now let us understand why the middleweight champion kissed his coach.

The reason behind Dricus Du Plessis’ kiss

Dricus Du Plessis was captured sharing a celebratory kiss with his coach and may have gone viral for the wrong reasons because the intriguing part lies in understanding the context behind such actions. Similarly, UFC’s bantamweight fighter, Cameron Saaiman, has also been seen engaging in a similar celebratory kiss with his coach and, according to the South African fighter, it is a part of their culture. “Well, that’s how we were brought up,” said Saaiman.

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The bantamweight fighter mentioned that sharing a moment with their coaches, like a quick embrace or a friendly kiss, ͏is just part of their usual routine. ͏While he acknowledged that it might come off as unconventional, especially for UFC ͏fans outside their circle, he understood that different regions have different norms and perceptions. Cameron Saaiman once stated, “In African culture, we were brought up to greet our father or grandfather with a kiss, and a hug was considered a normal thing. “

He mentioned that while this gesture might not be a cultural norm in other countries, within his own culture, it holds relatively little significance. “I can imagine people watching the fight like knockout and then kissing your coach like what?” Saaiman further added that he understands why there is confusion among the people.

Despite this, Du Plessis’ ͏actions left ͏many people ͏astonished, and his opponent, Sean Strickland, seized the opportunity to make statements against him.

Sean Strickland took advantage of cultural difference

Sean Strickland recently expressed his thoughts on social media regarding certain video clips involving ‘Stillknocks’ and his coach. The former middleweight champion specifically asked the reigning champion Du Plessis to indicate with four fingers if he felt any danger from Morne Visser. This intriguing exchange became a focal point in the lead-up to their first encounter at UFC 297.

Strickland seems poised to use these interactions to his advantage during the promotional activities leading to the event. He escalated the banter to the UFC seasonal press conference in 2023, grabbing the microphone and casting doubt on Dricus Du Plessis by referencing the incident where he kissed his coach. This marked the beginning of the verbal exchange. In response, Du Plessis targeted Strickland’s childhood and criticized his relationship with his father. The confrontation pushed Strickland over the edge, and what unfolded next is now widely known within the community.

One of the most interest-piquing moments when Dricus du Plessis kissed his coach was Daniel Cormier’s reaction, which was caught on video. Almost a couple of years after that incident, ‘DC’ recently confronted the middleweight champion regarding that instance.

Daniel Cormier and Dricus du Plessis talk about the viral video from UFC 290

Daniel Cormier recently revealed while interviewing Dricus du Plessis that he had no idea about how people perceived his reaction to him kissing his coach at UFC 290. Moreover, he claimed that he didn’t even notice the middleweight champion kissing Morne Visser in the mouth. “I didn’t even notice, Dricus. Like, that’s why everybody’s like, ‘Look at DC uncomfortable.’ I did not even notice. I did not even notice. You’re such a liar, bro. I had no idea. I wasn’t even paying attention,” Cormier told du Plessis.

While Dricus du Plessis appeared skeptical about Daniel Cormier’s explanation, he did understand that sometimes pictures and videos are taken out of proportion. But he still decided to take a little jibe at ‘DC’, albeit in a lighthearted manner. “Know what you’re saying, and photos sometimes can be deceiving. But that was a bad look. Very rude for staring, DC,” ‘Stillknocks’ responded.

Well, the controversy is old now and the focus fans and fighters have is the fight this weekend. Dricus du Plessis plans to extend his run as the champ, while Sean Strickland is hoping to become the second fighter to claim the 185-pound title twice. Let us know who you think will emerge victorious at UFC 312 in the comments down below.