The combat sports world was abuzz with the news of the UFC planning an event at the White House for US President Donald Trump. This historic card, scheduled for June 14th, is set to feature a lightweight title showdown between Spain’s Ilia Topuria and America’s Justin Gaethje for the undisputed belt.
Following a recent UFC London event, a survey was conducted among UK fighters to gauge their dream venues and opponents for a potential equivalent event on British soil. The concept mirrored the White House spectacle, aiming to identify where and against whom these stars would wish to compete in a landmark UK show.
UK UFC Stars Eye Iconic Venues for Dream Fights
Shanelle Dyer envisioned a regal 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 offered a characteristically witty, Liverpool-centric response: “It has to be in Liverpool, doesn’t it? We are the fighting capital of this country, so the M&S Bank Arena. For banter, it has to be Anshul (Jubli). But for a real fight, I’d want someone skilled, maybe Dan Hooker, especially with the Paddy (Pimblett) beef ongoing. I’m tired of fighting silent, boring guys; it’s entertaining when I get someone who gives a bit of back and forth.”
Luke Riley aimed high, suggesting Wembley Stadium for a bout against fellow rising star Kevin Vallejos: “The UFC has never done a stadium show in the UK, so maybe Wembley against Kevin (Vallejos).”
Lerone Murphy, a Manchester native, called for a fight at the Co-Op Live Arena against featherweight legend Alexander Volkanovski: “It would have to be in Manchester, of course, I’m born and raised in Manchester, and I would like to fight Alex Volkanovski, the GOAT of the featherweight division.”
Nathaniel Wood, representing London, also targeted Wembley Stadium for a title fight: “The only dream place I would like to fight at is Wembley Stadium; I think that would be amazing, 80,000 people. I think the UFC could pull it off. I’d want to fight whoever has got the belt at the time.”
Christian Leroy Duncan (CLD) echoed Wood’s sentiment for Wembley, proposing a showdown with former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya: “It would have to be Wembley, and there is a list of names that could be exciting fights. But a fun fight for myself and the fans on a card like that would be Izzy.”
Louie Sutherland prioritized convenience and hometown pride, choosing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: “I would say 10 Downing Street, but f**k that, it’s boring. One for me would be the Spurs Stadium. I am a massive Spurs fan, and then I could pop across the road, grab some chicken and chips, and head to my nan’s house.” When asked about an opponent, he simply stated: “F**king anybody!”
Mason Jones naturally opted for a Welsh venue, hoping to bring the UFC to Principality Stadium: “There is only one venue in Wales that is big enough (Principality Stadium), and I’d love to headline that card against whoever wants to give me the best fight.”
Mario Pinto aligned with Shanelle Dyer, naming Buckingham Palace as his ideal venue: “Buckingham Palace maybe, and who’s been released? Who’s the easiest matchup? Lukas Brzeski, bring him back!”
Sam Patterson expressed a desire to bring the UFC to his hometown of Watford, specifically Vicarage Road, for a fight against the current champion, Islam Makhachev: “Let’s go to Watford, Vicarage Road, and I would want to fight the champ (Islam Makhachev), how about that?”
Michael “Venom” Page (MVP) concluded the survey, reiterating his long-standing wish to fight at Old Trafford: “I’d say Old Trafford, I’d love to fight there. Again, for me, I think the Leon Edwards thing could have happened still.”