Dana White has been working to bring a UFC event to Africa for a while now. His particular pick now would feature a fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis. However, the UFC CEO has recently acknowledged significant challenges in making this happen.
Dana White recently sat down with the media for a talk after an episode of this season’s Dana White’s Contender Series. During their discussion at the post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO revealed that there are many hurdles that are barring them from conducting an event in Africa at this moment.
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.
Dana White at DWCS post-fight press conference
One of the main issues is finding a suitable venue. Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, has been actively discussing possibilities. Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium, reportedly the only available option is an outdoor arena. White has opposed this venue due to potential disruptions like bad weather, bugs, and too much humidity. These could negatively impact the fighters’ performances.
Despite Africa being an exciting new frontier for UFC expansion, White’s priority remains ensuring high standards for fighters and fans alike. Dricus du Plessis has expressed a strong desire to defend his title in his home country. However, his next fight is potentially set for Australia. As for Strickland, he wants to fight in Las Vegas so we will see how that works out.
Undefeated Bellator champion Johnny Eblen claims he is better than Dricus Du Plessis
Johnny Eblen is the undefeated Bellator middleweight champion. He recently made waves by claiming that he is a cut above UFC champion Dricus du Plessis. Eblen described Du Plessis as a “giant ogre monster” and claimed his superiority in speed, cardio and other technical abilities.
The American Top Team member boasts a perfect 15-0 record. He has had a background in wrestling from a young age and is confident that his striking and grappling skills outclass Du Plessis. During his recent exclusive chat with Bloody Elbow, Eblen emphasized that Du Plessis’ raw power would not be enough against his more refined and versatile approach.
Dricus is like the Lord Of The Rings; one of those ogres that they have, the giant monsters… I’m like a f***ing Elf, I’m a dude with a sword who goes in there and chops him up.
Johnny Eblen via Bloody Elbow
UFC middleweight champ Sean Strickland getting in rounds with Bellator middleweight champ Johnny Eblen one week out from his first title defense against Dricus Du Plessis at #UFC297 in Toronto, Canada on Jan. 20‼️💪 pic.twitter.com/hXVseI4O4V
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) January 14, 2024
Eblen has trained alongside some of the top MMA talent out there. He even trained with former middleweight champion Sean Strickland ahead of his first title defense against the South African champion. Du Plessis is not the only UFC champion he has undermined. The Bellator star also has a history with former welterweight champion Leon Edwards.
