An MMA star of the future
On a three-fight winning streak as well as being one of the youngest fighters at senior level, Lucah Paoli has taken the sport by storm.
Lucah Paoli is one of the latest and exciting prospects in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).
On a three-fight winning streak as well as being one of the youngest fighters at senior level, the youngster has taken the sport by storm.
The 19-year-old from Noordheuwel in Krugersdorp trains at the Mile High Kickboxing Club in Randfontein. He has been doing MMA for the past four years, and said that he has always wanted to try out kickboxing and MMA. Even his father and uncle were trained by his now coach, Shihan Henk Pelser.
“I am currently a purple 1 belt in Shidokan. I fight a lot of men older than me and actually win!” he said.
When asked if the sport is dangerous he replied that being trained athletes, they know what they are doing in the ring.
MMA has helped me in a lot of ways, like teaching me self-control and self-discipline. I would say that people should learn how to do MMA because it keeps you fit and you can defend yourself if needed.”
He explained that he trains twice a day. In the morning he does a long jog, some sprints and bag work while in the evening, he trains for two hours at the MMA gym and makes sure that he finishes his days with at least 500 sit-ups.
When it comes to his diet, he said he just eats clean protein, minimal carbs and a lot of vegetables, and if he feels like he didn’t eat right he will skip supper and fast until the morning.
Injury wise, Lucah said he has been very lucky because he hasn’t had any severe injuries. He has, however, injured some of his opponents.
He said he likes MMA as it is an individual sport.
There is nothing more fair than two men or women fighting it out to see who will end up victorious. I love the rush that you get. Fighting is a part of me and it is something that I have grown to love. MMA and martial arts are a part of my life now.”
He said he looks up to Edson Barboza and Josè Aldo, both MMA fighters from Brazil, and Don ‘Magic Man’ Madge, a fellow South African.
According to Lucah, starting MMA is as easy as finding a gym, a trainer and putting in the hard work everyday.
“If you are motivated enough you don’t even need a gym. I sometimes train on trees if I don’t have a place to train, but that is just me because I’m a little bit different.”
He added that he would not be able to do any of this without his trainer Shihan Henk Pelser, and his father who pushes him everyday to succeed.
