SECUNDA – Local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters of Dominator’s Den excelled at the South African MMA Championship held in Johannesburg on Friday, 9 April and Saturday, 10 April.
Cedric Doyle, local fighter, coach and club owner, was chosen to coach all the Mpumalanga fighters for this event and he is proud of them.
His youngest fighter at the SAs, Bhubesi Kruger (12), won the U/37kg category and was crowned the best in South Africa in his category when he received a gold medal at the SAs.
His brother, Schalk Kruger (14) won a silver medal in the U/62kg category and another fighter from Dominator’s Den, Luke Stander, took part in the senior category and lost in his first fight.
Doyle said all his fighters fought their hearts out and Stander had an amazing fight despite the fact that he lost.
“It was Stander’s first fight since he began with MMA and he showed a lot of heart during his fight,” said Doyle.
“Unfortunately Stander was caught with an arm bar.”
Doyle said Bhubesi dominated his fight from the beginning and won with an arm bar.
“Schalk also dominated his fight, but in the end he was caught with a triangle choke.
“I am super proud of all three fighters.”
He thanked God that nobody got injured and for the opportunity to take part in this sport.
Fighters of Dominator’s Den are currently preparing for the ADCC Grappling Competition that will take place on 15 May in Johannesburg.
Doyle’s MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes kicked off again since the lock down level 1 kicked in on 1 March.
Doyle said MMA for children is safer than many other contact sports as no blows to the head are allowed until the fighters are 18 years old.
He gives youth as well as adult classes from Mondays to Thursdays.
For more information, contact him at 076 834 7083.
