The UFC is within the “ultimate phases of negotiating” its debut in South Africa.
Dricus Du Plessis has lengthy dreamed about bringing the UFC to his dwelling nation. Now because the reigning UFC middleweight world champion, ‘Stillknocks’ has the pull to make it occur. Just lately, reviews advised that DHL Stadium in Cape City is in talks to assemble a brief roof at an estimated price of $1.7 million in preparation for a UFC occasion subsequent 12 months.
Soccer followers could recall the 55,000-seat area as one of many flagship venues through the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
South African sports activities minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed on social media that whereas they’re in ultimate negotiations to lock within the nation’s first-ever UFC occasion, no particulars concerning location will be confirmed simply but.
“I see information articles about @UFCfight of @dricusduplessis occurring in Cape City,” McKenzie wrote on X. “We’re within the ultimate phases of negotiating for the battle to occur in South Africa. We have now not been given the inexperienced gentle. We are going to know by the top of October, no choice of internet hosting metropolis will be made but.”
Who fights Dricus Du Plessis in UFC’s South African debut?
Whereas McKenzie will work with the promotion to find out the very best location for an occasion, the promotion must work out who ‘DDP’ will battle on his dwelling turf.
Earlier this 12 months, Dana White revealed that Sean Strickland would obtain the subsequent title shot after scoring a reasonably decisive victory over Paulo Costa in June.
Nonetheless, present gentle heavyweight champion Alex Pereira could have thrown a monkey wrench in these plans when he declared his want to maneuver again all the way down to 185 for a scrap with Du Plessis.
Poatan’ beforehand held the middleweight strap, taking the title off of Israel Adesanya through a fifth-round TKO at UFC 281. 5 months later, Pereira handed the belt again to ‘The Final Stylebender’ earlier than making his means as much as 205.
Because it stands, Pereira is set to defend his title in opposition to surging heavy-hitter Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 on October 5. If ‘Poatan’ can put collectively his third highlight-reel end of 2024, reserving a bout between ‘Poatan’ and Du Plessis could also be too attractive for the promotion to go up.
