Frustration for mixed martial arts’ director

Brakpan’s Raymond Phillips has been frustrated with Covid-19 halting his best-laid plans in mixed martial arts.
The director of International Mixed Martial Arts and Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) recently had to explain to African fighters that they will not be allowed to compete at the ongoing world championships in Bulgaria. The host nation has closed its borders to numerous African countries due to the pandemic.

“It has been a bit of a knock,” said Phillips.

“The guys had worked hard to prepare for the tournament. The fighters from KwaZulu-Natal had travelled to this side to train.”

There were 18 fighters from South Africa who had been selected.

“Covid-19 has hit most industries, including the sporting world,” said the administrator.

Phillips believes that it is not all doom and gloom as there are other competitions to look forward to.

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“We are hoping we will be able to attend the European Championships in August or September, scheduled to take place at a country yet to be confirmed,” he said.

The local man also pointed out that MMASA is also working on staging an international tournament in partnership with the Netherlands. Phillips is also part of the African Games organising committee that is preparing for Ghana in 2023.

“We are working hard to make sure we are prepared for the games. Of course, all the planning could be offset by the rising infections of the virus. It is totally frustrating that we can’t plan and be certain,” said Phillips.

The man who has been involved in combat sports for more than 40 years hopes that the country and the world will be able to handle the pandemic soon.

“The funny thing is a lot of places in Europe and America are open and don’t even wear masks anymore,” he says.

“One can only hope that the powers in charge can find a way to control the situation locally.”

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