LAS VEGAS – Good news for MMA fans in Africa.
UFC president Dana White revealed on Saturday following UFC 279 that the UFC is in serious talks to bring an event to the continent in the near future. White didn’t specify which countries or cities they were looking at specifically, but it is something that’s already in discussion.
“We literally had a meeting the other day, and we’re seriously talking about Africa now,” White told reporters at the UFC 279 post-fight press conference. “We’re starting to look at venues and cities to hold an event. Africa is going to happen very soon.”
Bringing the promotion to Africa has been a topic of a discussion for quite some time. White has stated in the past it was something he wants to accomplish before his career as a promoter is finished.
Earlier this year, MMA Junkie Radio spoke to Marc Ratner, UFC Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, about possible plans for the UFC to go to Africa. Ratner specifically mentioned interest in Johannesburg, South Africa as a potential first landing spot for the promotion.
“I do believe we will go to Johannesburg someday. I think that’s going to happen. We have to let this whole Francis (Ngannou) and contract all play out. Would I love to see it? Absolutely.”
The UFC has never hosted an event in Africa. In recent years, the African talent on the UFC roster has grown significantly. There are two current UFC champions from Africa: Israel Adesanya (Nigeria) and Francis Ngannou (Cameroon). There are also several top contenders from the region.
Dana White: UFC event in Africa ‘is going to happen very soon’