'If Dricus du Plessis beats Israel Adesanya, we'll bid to host UFC' – Cape Town Mayor

Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya are set to clash in a high-stakes middleweight championship bout (UFC 305), scheduled to take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on Sunday, 18 August 2024, at 6:30 am, South Africa time.

Du Plessis captured the middleweight title in January 2024 with a split decision victory over Sean Strickland in Toronto, making history as the first South African to secure a UFC championship.

UFC President Dana White hinted that if Du Plessis successfully defends his title at UFC 305, the organisation might consider hosting an event in South Africa. 

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has thrown his support behind the idea, tweeting: "Cape Town is always ready for UFC action! Let's make it happen!"

Hill-Lewis is committed to bidding for the event if White moves forward with the proposal.

"Let me tell you Lester, one of the most common messages I've received on social media, at my office, is from Capetonians begging to have the UFC in Cape Town... We'll definitely bid for it."

- Geordin Hill-Lewis, Mayor – City of Cape Town