Major update in Dricus du Plessis’ title defense in South Africa as UFC interest confirmed by Sports Minister
Dricus du Plessis may get his wish of defending his UFC middleweight title in front of a home crowd in South Africa after the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie's, latest statement. With Cape Town initially thought to be the ideal venue, there are now plans to try to host a UFC event in Johannesburg as well.
UFC CEO Dana White has made it clear that any potential new locations would need several things, none more important than a closed-top arena.
McKenzie's latest update will strengthen the hopes of those that are dreaming of seeing du Plessis fight in 'The Rainbow Nation'.
After a question was posed to him about the UFC coming to South Africa by a member of the public, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture responded with this:
"It's a problem, I can assure you that we have been tasked with finding a solution by the UFC, who are very keen to come here. We have some solutions which we will present at the end of this month in Abu Dhabi. There is also a semi-permanent structure opening in a few weeks at Soccer City."
See McKenzie's update on Dricus du Plessis fighting in South Africa below:
Dana White shares update on Dricus du Plessis fighting in South Africa
Prior to Dricus du Plessis facing Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, Dana White shared some exciting news for South African MMA fans that 'Stillknocks' would likely compete on home soil if he defeated Adesanya.
The middleweight champion retained his title via submission in Round 4, but the UFC CEO has now shared the issues surrounding hosting an event in South Africa, and Africa collectively.
Following a recent edition of 'Dana White's Contender Series,' he appeared in front of the media and shared the following update on Du Plessis' possible homecoming:
"You know how bad I want this, I've been trying to get this thing done. The arena situation there is tough, it's tough to pull off. So, that's been the challenge with Africa as a whole. We're trying to figure it out. The place that we would have to do it at is outdoors, and you know how I feel about that... One of the big things I'm hearing out there is that wind is a big problem."
Watch White discuss Dricus du Plessis fighting at home below (1:45):