Nasrat Haqparast advocates for UFC Morocco event after big knockout
LAS VEGAS – If the UFC is serious about going to Africa, Nasrat Haqparast says look no further than Morocco for the continental debut.
Following his UFC Fight Night 233 knockout of Jamie Mullarkey (17-7 MMA, 5-5 UFC) at the UFC Apex, Haqparast (16-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC) didn’t call for an opponent or event date. A North African location was all that was on his mind.
“I don’t have something in my mind like a specific date,” Haqparast told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. “But I really wish for the UFC to come to Morocco. Morocco is like my second home now. We have a great infrastructure. We have everything needed for the UFC (to go) there for the first UFC event in Africa. Actually, the FIFA World Cup, the biggest sporting event in the world is coming to Morocco in 2030 and I think it’s the right time for the UFC to make the move to Africa.
While no UFC Africa event or even a timeline has been revealed yet, UFC CEO Dana White has long been adamant it’s in the promotion’s plans.
For Haqparast, there is no better time than the present.
“Let’s say the beginning to middle of the year in Morocco would be amazing,” Haqparast said. “Let’s say if the UFC would want to put me as a headliner, it’d be greatly appreciated. But I think it’s the right time for the UFC to come to Morocco.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 233.