UK UFC Fighters Dream Big: Buckingham Palace, Wembley, and Old Trafford as Dream Arenas

As anticipation builds for the upcoming UFC event featuring Spain's Ilia Topuria and America's Justin Gaethje battling for the undisputed lightweight belt, a recent survey among UK fighters at UFC London revealed their ambitious visions for a hypothetical 'UFC White House' equivalent on home soil. These athletes were prompted to select their ideal venue and dream opponent for such a landmark occasion in the UK.

Fighters Share Their Grand Visions:

Shanelle Dyer – A Royal Showdown

Shanelle Dyer presented a truly regal aspiration, envisioning a championship bout at none other than Buckingham Palace. "Imagine fighting at Buckingham Palace! That would be so sick," she exclaimed, adding, "and I’d want to fight whoever is holding the belt."

Shem Rock – Liverpool's Fighting Spirit

Shem Rock, with his characteristic wit, offered a Liverpool-centric vision. "It has to be in Liverpool, doesn't it? We are the fighting capital of this country, so the M&S Bank Arena," he declared. For a more playful encounter, he suggested Anshul Jubli, but for a serious challenge, he named Dan Hooker, noting the ongoing rivalry with Paddy Pimblett. Rock expressed his desire for engaging opponents: "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 – Wembley's Grandeur

Luke Riley set his sights on the grandest stage imaginable, proposing Wembley Stadium for his dream fight. "The UFC has never done a stadium show in the UK, so maybe Wembley," he mused, specifying fellow rising talent Kevin Vallejos as his desired adversary.

Lerone Murphy – Manchester Calling

Manchester native Lerone Murphy naturally opted for his hometown, selecting the Co-Op Live Arena. His ultimate opponent? "Alex Volkanovski, the GOAT of the featherweight division," he stated confidently.

Nathaniel Wood – A London Spectacle

London's own Nathaniel Wood echoed the call for Wembley Stadium, imagining a title fight in front of 80,000 fans. "The only dream place I would like to fight at is Wembley Stadium, I think that would be amazing," he remarked, believing the UFC could achieve such a spectacle. His opponent of choice would be "whoever has got the belt at the time."

Christian Leroy Duncan (CLD) – Wembley vs. Izzy

Christian Leroy Duncan (CLD) also favored Wembley Stadium, suggesting a thrilling matchup against former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. "It would have to be Wembley," CLD affirmed, adding, "But a fun fight for myself and the fans on a card like that would be Izzy."

Louie Sutherland – Spurs Stadium Convenience

Louie Sutherland prioritised local convenience and his passion for football, choosing Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Playfully dismissing 10 Downing Street as "boring," he declared, "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." As for an opponent, Sutherland emphatically stated: "F***ing anybody!"

Mason Jones – Welsh Pride at Principality Stadium

Unsurprisingly, Welshman Mason Jones championed a venue in his homeland: Principality Stadium. "There is only one venue in Wales that is big enough," he noted, expressing a desire to headline the event "against whoever wants to give me the best fight."

Mario Pinto – Another Royal Ambition

Mario Pinto aligned with Shanelle Dyer's royal ambition, also nominating Buckingham Palace. His whimsical choice for an opponent? "Who’s been released? Who’s the easiest matchup? Lukas Brzeski, bring him back!"

Sam Patterson – Watford's Home Advantage

Sam Patterson advocated for his hometown of Watford, suggesting Vicarage Road as the venue. His ultimate challenge would be against "the champ (Islam Makhachev), how about that?"

Michael "Venom" Page (MVP) – Old Trafford's Iconic Stage

Finally, Michael "Venom" Page (MVP) reiterated his long-standing desire to fight at Old Trafford. "I’d say Old Trafford, I’d love to fight there," he affirmed, adding, "Again, for me, I think the Leon Edwards thing could have happened still."