Local fighter heading to IMMAF Youth World Championships
The young fighter only started taking MMA seriously in the last year and now hopes to go pro.
Leandro Freitas (16) from Brakpan North is making a name for himself in the mixed martial arts (MMA) world with a recent silver medal in Angola, where he represented South Africa.
Now, he has been selected to compete in the IMMAF Youth World Championships from July 20 to 27 in Abu Dhabi.
Leandro started kickboxing at the Xtreme Kickboxing Technologies and MMA (XKT) Dojo in Brakpan three years ago, taking MMA seriously only last year. He currently holds a green-tier ranking.
“I’m excited to go to worlds, but nervous. It’s going to be a nice experience,” Leandro explained. He is traveling with his coach, Shihan Raymond Phillips, and Nadia van Zuydam, IMMAF equipment and admin manager for XKT.
He still plays soccer for fun and enjoys listening to music in his spare time. Leandro hopes to go professional in kickboxing and eventually compete in the UFC.
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He will also be competing in the South African MMA National Championships in the youth division between June 12 and 15 in KwaZulu-Natal. Although mathematics is his favourite subject, fighting takes up most of his attention.
“My parents get nervous about injuries, but they’re supportive anyway,” Leandro says.
Leandro is fighting under the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), of which Phillips is one of the executive directors.
“Winning my first fight in Angola was my highest point, and losing my second match and getting silver instead of gold was my lowest. I’d like to win gold at worlds; that would be my new high point. I also want to thank my sponsors who made it possible for me to go to Angola. I don’t have sponsors yet for worlds, but I’m sure they will come through,” he said.
Those who would like to support Leandro may contact his mother, Anita Rodrigues, on 072 285 6070.Those interested in starting their MMA journey can contact Phillips on 083 701 2154.
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