White Promises UFC South Africa If Du Plessis Beats Adesanya
Dana White says the UFC will go to South Africa if Dricus du Plessis beats Israel Adesanya.
Du Plessis defends his UFC Middleweight Title against Izzy on August 17 at UFC 305. He won the belt with a controversial split decision against Sean Strickland at UFC 297. Adesanya was the prior champion before Strickland defeated him at UFC 293.
In the build-up for the Du Plessis-Adesanya fight, Izzy reminded Du Plessis of his prior comments. The champion said he would become the first African to win the belt. This was about Adesanya, who no longer lives in Nigeria despite being born there. There were talks over a previous UFC South Africa event involving either Francis Ngannou or Kamaru Usman, but it never happened. If Du Plessis beats Adesanya, it would set up a huge rematch with either Izzy or Strickland, which White wants to take to South Africa.
“You have one of these situations where for both guys, everything is on the line. Especially, because they dislike each other so much. If he can beat Izzy and bring the belt back to South Africa, obviously we’ll do an event there. If Izzy can win the title, it will be huge for him and his legacy. I’m sure [there’s tension], it’s a big fight. Every time guys hate each other like this, the fight usually ends up sucking. But, I have a really good feeling this one won’t. You’re talking about, if you’re looking at what Israel Adesanya has achieved in life, not only here but in kickboxing too, and Dricus, he brings it man,” White said
Reaction
Surely bringing Strickland there will be smart
— 🟢Zack //\\🟢 (@ZzccMMA) August 14, 2024
But couldn’t do a 3 title fight for Ngannou, Usman, and Adesanya lmao. Dana fumbled that bag heavy😂
— Copre Jackson (@CJackson92) August 14, 2024
imagine Ddp vs chimaev in cape town ☠️💥
— Kass Vader (@KassVader00) August 14, 2024