UFC to add Afrikaans and isiXhosa commentary to broadcasts

For the first time, a UFC bout will have commentary in three South African languages, marking yet another milestone in the extremely popular multi-lingual offering that is now available in live rugby, cricket, and football sports.

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UFC TO FEATURE AFRIKAANS AND ISIXHOSA COMMENTARY

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SuperSport revealed the decision this week ahead of Dricus du Plessis challenging for the UFC middleweight title in January.

“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.

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“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.”

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HISTORY IN OUR OWN WORDS

Du Plessis aspires to be the first South African MMA fighter to capture a title belt at the famous UFC level.

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The 29-year-old Pretoria-based martial artist is on an eight-fight winning run, with six of those wins coming in the UFC and the others coming at EFC Africa in Pretoria and KSW 50 in London.

Du Plessis won his opportunity at the UFC middleweight championship by defeating Australian Robert Whittaker in a second-round TKO in July, during which he uttered the now-famous remark “Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie” (They don’t know what we know).

Rassie Erasmus, SA Rugby’s director of rugby, also used the slogan during the Springboks’ successful Rugby World Cup 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.