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UFC's Africa Debut Nears After South African Dricus du Plessis's Win
UFC's Africa Debut Nears After South African Dricus du Plessis's Win
Sputnik Africa
On Sunday, South African fighter Dricus du Plessis defeated Nigerian-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, to... 19.08.2024, Sputnik Africa
2024-08-19T13:46+0200
2024-08-19T13:46+0200
2024-08-19T14:24+0200
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South African MMA fighter Dricus du Plessis's victory sparked discussions about the UFC's potential expansion into the African market. The fight itself centered heavily on the theme of Africa, with du Plessis highlighting the lack of African representation in UFC championship history.Following the match, both fighters, however, showed respect for each other and their African heritage.UFC President Dana White confirmed that a fight in Africa is now a strong possibility. "If [Du Plessus] can beat Izzy [Adesanya] and bring that belt back to South Africa, obviously we'll do an event there."Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed strong support for a UFC event in South Africa, recognizing the growing popularity of the sport in the country. "Let's make it happen," he addressed White via social media.UFC executives acknowledge the burgeoning fanbase in Africa, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria, and believe an African event will be a resounding success.
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UFC's Africa Debut Nears After South African Dricus du Plessis's Win
13:46 19.08.2024 (Updated: 14:24 19.08.2024) Muhammad Nooh Osman
Writer/Editor
On Sunday, South African fighter Dricus du Plessis defeated Nigerian-born New Zealander Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, to defend his UFC middleweight championship.
South African MMA fighter
Dricus du Plessis's victory sparked discussions about the UFC's potential expansion into the African market. The fight itself centered heavily on the theme of Africa, with du Plessis highlighting the lack of African representation in UFC championship history.
"Tonight, Africa won regardless," said the victorious South African du Plessis, questioning, "Did those belts ever go to Africa?"
Following the
match, both fighters, however, showed respect for each other and their African heritage.
"To share this octagon with a legend... this man has done so much for this sport, and I'm really sorry it came across that I disrespected he was from Africa; it was never my intention," said du Plessis after defeating Adesanya.
UFC President Dana White confirmed that a fight in Africa is now a strong possibility. "If [Du Plessus] can beat Izzy [Adesanya] and bring that belt back to South Africa, obviously we'll do an event there."
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed strong support for a UFC event in South Africa, recognizing the growing popularity of the sport in the country. "Let's make it happen," he addressed White via social media.
UFC executives acknowledge the burgeoning fanbase in Africa, particularly in South Africa and Nigeria, and believe an African event will be a resounding success.
