From boxing gloves to a whistle
His referee career has led him to meet some greats as well as fill up his memory bank.
Ferdinand Basson (45), local owner of two gyms and EFC referee, loves boxing and mixed martial arts (MMA).
Starting off in school competing in rugby and surfing while taking the title of deputy head boy in matric, he slowly made his way into the fighting world.
“I used to compete as an athlete, but after serious injury I was out of action for a while,” he explained
“A promoter I used to fight for asked if I could referee as I already knew the rules. The injury never fully healed so I kept on refereeing.”
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Basson competed on a national level in bodybuilding, powerlifting and MMA.
“I used to do it as a stress reliever and a way to keep fit, but then I realised the mental part behind it, like how to outwit your opponent. I was hooked,” he explained.
“Now as a coach it’s all about the aspect of the sport, and that is a personal challenge.”
Basson has two gyms running in Benoni, where he coaches regularly.
His referee career has led him to meet some greats, as well as fill up his memory bank.
“My most favourite memory of being a referee was at The World Championships at the UFC Expo in Las Vegas,” he said.
Being a referee does come with cons that you have to be willing to face, like getting accidentally hit during a fight.
“This happens often but it’s a part of the game, and as a referee you need to remember that you signed up for it.”
Basson said he has been privileged to have worked with many well-known fighters in South Africa over the years, such as Mzwandile “Shakebone” Hlongwa and Danie “Pit bull” van Heerden.
“There are actually too many to mention,” he explained, “but Mzwandile Hlongwa was down and out on his luck and stuck without a contract, but he was an incredible, humble and talented fighter.
“He was on the verge of quitting, which would have been such a waste because he is an incredibly hard worker and a very quick learner.
“He went on to score a spinning elbow knockout that went viral and is a title contender for a large international promotion.
“Another fighter, Barend van Rooyen, was told he was too old to make a comeback.
“He, however, made a comeback and outworked many athletes half his age in the gym. He went on to win the SA title and compete for the All-African title.”
Basson also went on the meet and work with a few international fighters.
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“I have been privileged to have met quite a few UFC Hall of Fame athletes. I have rubbed shoulders with Khamzat Chimaev very recently.”
Chimaev is a Russian-born Swedish professional MMA of Chechen ethnicity who competes in the welterweight and middleweight divisions of the UFC.
He formerly competed in Brave Combat Federation. As of November 16, he is ranked 15th in the UFC welterweight rankings.
When it comes to competing, Basson prefers MMA, but as a coach, he has no preference.
“I am always the shorter opponent and in boxing that is a distinct disadvantage,” he said.
Merging Junkyard MMA (one of his gyms) with Martial Fitness, Basson feels once Covid-19 fades away that there will be many more international titles in the pipeline.
“The merger gives me the ability to focus on competitive athletes, while guys like Jesse Schaper will look after the beginners and give them a good foundation,” he said.
Basson feels his daughter, Mia, is definitely one of his greatest achievements but becoming an international referee and also vice-president of Mixed Martial Arts South Africa has been a highlight.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without my support system,” he said.
“Trusha Ramsamy, my fiancée, and my support at home holds down the fort when I am away for competitions.
“In the gym I am fortunate to have guys like Charl van Tonder and Jan Bergman to assist with coaching duties,” he concluded.
