The combat sports world was abuzz following the groundbreaking announcement of a UFC event scheduled at the White House for US President Donald Trump, featuring a lightweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje on June 14th. In the wake of the recent UFC London event, a survey was conducted among British fighters who participated, asking them to choose their ideal venue and dream opponent for a hypothetical UK equivalent of such a high-profile event.
Buckingham Palace & Other Dream UK UFC Fight Nights
- Shanelle Dyer: Envisioned a royal clash at Buckingham Palace. “Imagine fighting at Buckingham Palace! That would be so sick, and I’d want to fight whoever is holding the belt.”
- Shem Rock: In his characteristic witty style, insisted on Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, calling it the nation’s “fighting capital.” For a light-hearted bout, he picked Anshul Jubli, but for a serious challenge, he named Dan Hooker, citing the ongoing rivalry with Paddy Pimblett. Rock expressed a desire for engaging opponents, saying, “I’m fed up with fighting these guys who are silent and boring, who don’t talk. It’s entertaining when I get someone who I know is going to give a bit of back and forth.”
- Luke Riley: Aimed for the grandest stage, Wembley Stadium, proposing a fight against fellow rising star Kevin Vallejos, noting, “The UFC has never done a stadium show in the UK, so maybe Wembley against Kevin (Vallejos).”
- Lerone Murphy: The Manchester native chose his hometown’s Co-Op Live Arena, aspiring to face “the GOAT of the featherweight division,” Alexander Volkanovski.
- Nathaniel Wood: London’s own Nathaniel Wood also favored Wembley Stadium, envisioning an “amazing” event with 80,000 spectators. He expressed his desire to fight for the championship belt there.
- Christian Leroy Duncan (CLD): Echoed the Wembley sentiment, suggesting a compelling matchup against former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, stating it would be a “fun fight for myself and the fans.”
- Louie Sutherland: Opted for convenience, picking his beloved Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A self-proclaimed “massive Spurs fan,” he joked about grabbing chicken and chips and heading to his nan’s house afterwards. As for an opponent, he emphatically stated, “F**king anybody!”
- Mason Jones: Naturally chose his home country’s Principality Stadium in Wales, aspiring to headline an event there against an opponent who would deliver “the best fight.”
- Mario Pinto: Aligned with Shanelle Dyer, naming Buckingham Palace as his preferred venue. Humourously, he sought the “easiest matchup,” suggesting a returning Lukas Brzeski.
- Sam Patterson: Wished to bring the UFC to his hometown of Watford, specifically Vicarage Road, and boldly called out the reigning champion, Islam Makhachev.
- Michael “Venom” Page (MVP): Reiterated his long-standing desire to fight at Old Trafford, specifically mentioning a potential bout with Leon Edwards.