Professional fighter set for Abu Dhabi debut
This mixed-martial-arts athlete is going head-to-head with his Egyptian opponent at his debut fight in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
PROFESSIONAL mixed martial arts athlete, Tapiwa Katikati of Combat Coaching, is set for his debut fight at UAE Warriors in Abu Dhabi tomorrow, February 24.
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While waiting in anticipation for his Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) title fight, set to take place later this year, after postponements and a pending interim fight, Katikati has been granted the opportunity to create a name for himself overseas.
After signing a contract with UAE Warriors a few weeks ago, and heading overseas for the first time, he is ready to put in his all and bring home the win. Katikati, representing Zimbabwe, will face Egypt’s Ramadan Noaman in the lightweight division at the Etihad Arena.
“From an amateur career in 2018, I didn’t think my coach could get me to this level. I’m so excited, as my hard work has paid off. I’m going in for the win; I can feel it,” said Katikati.
His coach, Morné Swanepoel, said this fighting platform will make his profile stronger and will be a gateway to bigger things. “Once he wins the EFC title fight, the next step is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which is the ultimate goal,” he said.
Leading up to his debut fight, his training has been flexible as he trains twice a week at the gym and the rest of the time by himself. “From where he started, to now, he has made huge progress in all aspects of the game. Every fight just gets better,” said Morné.
He added that ‘proud’ is an understatement. “He has passion, drive and tenacity. He’s the nicest guy outside the cage, so opponents often misjudge and underestimate him, which backfires. He’s also an inspirational success story. He never had proper gym equipment or coaching in the past – he taught himself. Now he’s at the biggest stadiums, and we are not going to stop here,” said Morné.
The same agency is looking to sign two of his other EFC athletes and sons, Bradley and Dylan.
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