Dricus Du Plessis became the first UFC champion from South Africa after dethroning Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada.
All three judges scored the fight 48-47, with two in favor of Du Plessis.
With the win, he extended his win streak to nine fights and improved his MMA record to 21-3.
MORE TO FOLLOW
Dricus Du Plessis defeated Sean Strickland via split decision to capture the UFC middleweight title
Strickalnd was left bloodied after a very even fight between the two in Canada