Ballito’s MMA world champ
Lino took on fighters from around the world in the featherweight division.
In her final fight at the Amateur Mixed Martial Arts world championships in Las Vegas Ballito’s Amanda Lino knocked her opponent out cold in just 27 seconds – making her world champion.
Lino has just returned from the USA where she took on fighters from around the world in the featherweight division.
“I fought a girl from the USA in my first fight and got a technical knockout in two minutes and 30 seconds,” said Lino.
She immediately progressed into the final and took on a Swedish fighter. Her superior standing game saw her knock her opponent once again..
“Overall, walking into the ring I think I was more focused and prepared. I had watched her fight the French girl and she was similar to me, she ran in and put pressure. So when we fought my game plan was to stay on my feet.”
Her strategy clearly worked.
“It only really sank in when I got home. My friends and family were all so proud, that is when I realised it was a big deal,” she said.
Lino also made an impression on Ultimate Fighting Championship scouts in America.
“Straight after the fight one of the guys came to me and said ‘when you make UFC you will have the hardest hit in the competition’. I was really excited and felt privileged.”
Her ultimate goal is fighting against the world’s best women fighters in the UFC.
“First I want to get a Amateur Fight League title fight. If we manage to organise it, it will be the first ever AFL ladies title fight in SA.”
Lino then plans to get her professional fight license.
“I want to be the first girl in EFC and hopefully setup a division for women in the competition. Its more than just being there, I want to open up the door so that more girls can take up fighting professionally.”
If and when the time comes, Lino might have to relocate to America to establish herself in the international fight scene.
“We are already speaking about it, I would have to go for at least two years. The hardest thing would be moving away from my dojo and coach, they have gotten me to where I am today.”
She also thanked her sponsors, Black Cap, Mozambik, TGT Business Solutions, Lockeroom and Shakers for helping her get to the USA and supporting her while she was there.
