“This feels absurdly racist” – Dana White teasing UFC Africa event only after Dricus du Plessis win despite years of African dominance has fans upset

South African Dricus Du Plessis challenged Sean Strickland for the middleweight title in UFC 297. After five grueling rounds, he managed to clinch the victory via a split decision. With this win, ‘Stillknocks’ became the first South African champion in the UFC. Now, Dana White has dropped hints of conducting a UFC Africa event soon.

For years, Dana White talked about hosting a UFC event in Africa. However, it didn’t materialize for some reasons. Finally, after Dricus Du Plessis claimed the middleweight title, the UFC CEO showed utmost urgency in going to Africa. As such, he mentioned looking into South Africa as a potential avenue and hinted at hosting an event sometime this year. Here is what he said:

Absolutely, positively, can be the guy (on answering can Dricus Du Plessis help UFC to host its event in Africa). Now, Dricus wins tonight, wins the title and I've been talking about Africa and maybe we start looking at South Africa and start looking at arenas and possibly do a fight event there this year.

Dana White (via UFC 297 post-fight press conference

Earlier, the UFC had three African Champions in Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Ngannou. But Dana White wasn’t able to propel a UFC Africa fight card. As such, leaving out on this precious opportunity left the fans disappointed. Now, all three were dethroned from their championship status leaving Dricus Du Plessis as the only African UFC champion right now.

Dricus Du Plessis remained the only hope for Dana White’s dream of taking the UFC to Africa. However, ‘Stillknocks’ wanted to defend his title at UFC 300. But, earlier, he also showed interest in taking the UFC to his home country and would probably prefer it. So, if the stars align and pave the way for the UFC, one could expect UFC Africa this year.

[related_country] Related: “Our paths are destined to cross” – Israel Adesanya’s manifestations come true as Dricus du Plessis perfectly sets up stage for ‘Real African’ fight [/related_country]

Fans react to Dana White teasing UFC Africa after Dricus Du Plessis win in UFC 297

UFC Africa remained an unfulfilled dream for UFC CEO Dana White. However, it looked promising after Dricus Du Plessis’ title win at UFC 297. Even White announced the UFC might host its debut event in Africa this year. However, a question lingered among the fans: Why didn’t the UFC CEO push the African card when the promotion had three dominant African champions?

Dana White missing out on a UFC Africa event when Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Francis Nagnnou were champions would forever be a mark missed. However, it didn’t come off as any personal grudge or issues. But fans speculated on the reasons for the same. As such, here are a few fan reactions:

Many people on X accused Dana White of racism after hinting at an African UFC event with Dricus Du Plessis. As such, they bashed the UFC CEO for missing out on UFC Africa when it had three champions. However, a few defended him and argued reasons like comparing infrastructures in Nigeria and South Africa. Although a UFC African event with Usman, Adesanya, and Ngannou would’ve been massive, the ship has long sailed.

In case you missed it:

• “You got dropped by a local hibachi chef” – Ian Garry BRUTALLY trolled for calling Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis ‘amateurs’
• “Nothing wrong wanting your kids to be heterosexual,” Polarising sports journalist Jason Whitlock DEFENDS Sean Strickland for scorching ‘Woke Reporter’

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