The UFC’s long-standing desire to host an event in Africa has taken a significant step forward with the news that Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis is considering putting up a temporary 30 million rand roof over the DHL Stadium in Greenpoint, Cape Town. This move highlights the city’s determination to make UFC Africa a reality and showcases its commitment to providing a world-class venue for the highly anticipated event.
While Cape Town’s DHL Stadium is a strong contender, there are other potential venues in the running, including Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria and the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Each city has its own unique advantages, and the UFC will carefully evaluate the options before making a final decision on the host city.It’s worth noting that the UFC has been talking about hosting an event in Africa for years, with even Dricus Du Plessis’ first title defense being touted as a potential venue for UFC Africa. However, those plans never materialized. This time, though, it seems that the wheels are in motion, and the event is closer to becoming a reality than ever before.
The question on everyone’s mind is: who will be the main event for UFC Africa? Will it be Dricus Du Plessis defending his middleweight title against a formidable opponent such as Sean Strickland, Alex Pereira, or the winner of the highly anticipated Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight? The UFC will undoubtedly want to showcase its African champion in the main event, and Du Plessis’ popularity in his home continent will undoubtedly draw massive crowds.
As for the prospective dates for UFC Africa, there is a possibility that the event could take place as soon as December 2024. This would be an incredible feat, considering the logistical challenges involved in organizing a UFC event on a new continent. However, the UFC has proven time and again that it is capable of overcoming obstacles and delivering unforgettable experiences for its fans.
The news of Cape Town’s plans to build a temporary roof over the DHL Stadium is a significant development in the quest to host UFC Africa. With other cities also vying for the opportunity, the competition is fierce, but the end result will be a historic event that will showcase the best of African MMA talent to the world. As we eagerly await further updates from the UFC, one thing is certain: UFC Africa is no longer a dream, but a tangible reality that is closer than ever before.
