Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa speaks to the media after beating Sean Strickland of the United States and winning the middleweight title during the UFC 297 event at Scotiabank Arena It’s become a hot topic for debate, where should the UFC middleweight title defence of Dricus du Plessis take place in South Africa? Picture: Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images via AFP
Following the comments of SA minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie hinting that the United Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title defence of Dricus du Plessis may be heading to Johannesburg, IOL asked its readers where they would prefer the event to be hosted.
McKenzie in a tweet earlier this week, just happened to mention he was investigating the possibility of holding the event at FNB Stadium, also known as Soccer City.
When asked about where the fight might take place with a suitable venue being difficult to find in SA, the Patriotic Alliance leader McKenzie on Wednesday said on X: “It’s a problem, I can assure u that we have been tasked with finding a solution by @ufc who r very keen 2 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.”
UFC boss Dana White has insisted the event be held at an indoor arena to take out the weather factor, which complicates the issue for South Africa.
IOL readers on Facebook had their say about the fight, as they felt strongly about where they thought the event should take place.
Minenhle Mangaliso said: “Johannesburg... Cape town on many events I've seen a low turnout.. Maybe Dricus fight would be filled, but loyal real SA sport fans deserve this opportunity.. hence I say JHB.. NB * don't come for me, I have anger issues”
Tarryn Le Chat said: :Grandwest Arena in Cape Town can be beneficial”
Meanwhile, another user Brandon Gallant said: “Cape Town. It's beauty makes it way more attractive for marketing purposes”
In a poll carried out on X by IOL News, fans were just about split with 49% preferring FNB Stadium and 51% fancying Cape Town to host the fight.