Amanzimtoti fighter set to represent South Africa
Ethan has worked tremendously hard to achieve outstanding results in provincial and national tournaments which earned him a spot in the South African team. He will go on to represent SA at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) African Championships in Namibia.
ETHAN Richards, a 15-year-old rising star from CombatCoaching.com, is set to represent South Africa at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) African Championships in Namibia this weekend.
This competition marks his debut on the international stage. Ethan’s journey up to this point began with his standout performance at the MMASA Nationals last month, earning him a spot in the South African team.
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He said, “It feels amazing to come this far. My ultimate goal is to become a champion in the EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) and then the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship).”
Ethan’s passion for MMA ignited during the Covid-19 pandemic when school sports were suspended, prompting him to join the gym. He said his favourite part of the sport is participating in competitions.
“I love to test my skills, receive support and guidance from my coaches, and enjoy the hype of it all,” he said, adding that he has made amazing friends along the way.
His coach, Morné Swanepoel, praised his dedication and achievement. “Ethan has excelled in provincial and national tournaments for the last three years and has represented our team with pride and honour. His preparation for the African Championships has been intense, and I’m confident he is going to achieve amazing results,” he said.
Thanks to generous contributions, Ethan has secured funding for the Namibia trip. However, with the World Championships approaching in August, he is seeking further donations and sponsorships to make his dream a reality.
His mother, Michelle, can be contacted on 076 172 0072.
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