UFC title defence in SA?

This is definitely a 2025 thing, says UFC senior vice-president David Shaw.

- Marizka Coetzer and Clinton Jones

Mixed martial arts fighter Dricus du Plessis' Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight title defence against Israel Adesanya in Perth yesterday morning could have massively positive implications for South Africa, with a potential home soil defence on the cards.

Just last week UFC president Dana White said he would bring the UFC to SA if Du Plessis beat Adesanya. "If he can beat Izzy and bring that belt back to South Africa, we'll do an event there," White said.

Du Plessis retained his title after beating Adesanya in the fourth round.

Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said South African UFC middleweight champion Du Plessis would get the biggest hero's welcome when he returns home. "Thank you, Du Plessis, my voice is gone. Thanks, UFC for keeping your word. We do this thing on home soil," he posted on X yesterday.