Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) dethroned Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) by split decision to become middleweight champion at UFC 297 in January. Since then, Strickland rebounded with a win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302, and Du Plessis retained his title with a submission of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

Dricus du Plessis is desperate to headline the first UFC event in Africa. If the South African could defend his middleweight belt in his home nation, it could spark a major movement in the sport on the continent.

There’s no doubt that UFC boss Dana White is a man of his word; he typically follows through on his promises, no matter how challenging the task. However, he’s hit a snag by failing to deliver on his long-awaited commitment to host a fight in Africa for Dricus Du Plessis’ title defense.

Dustin Poirier recently suggested a mind-blowing BMF tournament idea that UFC CEO Dana White “loves.” While it seemed silly at […]