Doyle loses fight in Abu Dhabi
The Dominator reckons a fighter needs to know how to lose as well.
SECUNDA – The local Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and owner of Dominator’s Den MMA club, Cedric Doyle, lost his fight against Ahmed Faress (31) from Egypt on February 24 in the UAE Warrior 46 Africa 4 Championship held in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
Doyle, also known as ‘The Dominator’, said it was an amazing experience to fight internationally, and he is grateful for the opportunity.
“I am proud of myself,” said Doyle.
“In this game, you have to know how to lose so that you can be humble when you win.”
Faress beat Doyle in the second round with an arm triangle move. Doyle was already seeing double after Faress hit him in the first round.
“Usually, after about 30 seconds, your vision comes back, but mine did not, so I could not hit him. I missed whenever I tried to hit him.”
Doyle also injured his ligaments in the second round and is recovering at home before returning to work.
Of the 66 fighters who participated in this championship, Doyle is the only one who works full time, meaning the other fighters have more time to focus on training.
“I feel like I am a pioneer for Secunda and South African fighters to also go overseas and fight internationally.”
Doyle dreams of opening a full-time training centre for other MMA fighters.
The organisers of the UAE Warrior 35 Africa 4 Championship have already contacted Doyle to fight there again this month, but Doyle said it is too soon.
He wants more time to recover and prepare for his next fight, which might be in May in the United Arab Emirates.
“It was a great championship, the organisers did a good job. We stayed in top-class hotels, got good food, and it was a great experience for me.”
Doyle said none of the South African fighters won their fights. He thinks the humidity and travel before a fight is something the South Africans still need to get used to and prepare for.
“It is a privilege for me to still be practising a sport at this age. Next time when I fight in Abu Dhabi, it will go better.”
He thanked his supporters for their support and interest in his career as a professional MMA fighter.
“Thank you for every message and post like and to the Lord, who kept me safe during this fight.
“Thanks to my wife Ilse, and my two daughters, whom I left alone for a week. Without them, I would not have been able to do this.”
Doyle also thanked his physical therapist, Lumé Brits, and his other sponsors, including Secunda Readymix.
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