Cameron brings the gold home from mixed martial arts champs

Nineteen-year-old Cameron Coulson returned with a gold medal from the 2021 SA national amateur mixed martial arts championships held in Johannesburg last weekend.

Coulson knocked out his opponent, Daniel Hack from the Western Province just 27 seconds into the first round.

The Ballito boy said after winning a silver medal at last year’s championship in Umhlanga, he wanted nothing but gold and he was delighted to have returned victorious.

“It was a priceless moment for me and I wish to thank everyone who contributed in ensuring that I was physically and mentally fit for the fight. Special thanks to my coaches who always want to get the best out of me,” said Coulson.

Although he knocked Hack down within seconds, he respects the other fighter a great deal. “I was nervous before the match because he is a great fighter. When he went down, I did not jump around and celebrate but I went down to check if he was alright. After the match, he said he is coming for me next year and I will be waiting to defend my title.”

His goal is to get to pro level but he admits that there is still a lot of work to be done at the amateur level. He is giving himself at least 2 to 3 years fighting at amateur level.

“I want to fight at the amateur world championship and hopefully manage to bring the world championship back home,” said Coulson.