WATCH: Local MMA champions hoist flag high

Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA) saw the start of the South African championships hosted by Amateur Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) on April 8 in Edenvale.

The event, during which Brackenhurst’s MMA champions Bjorn van Tonder and Corbin Hearle took the top two positions, stretched over three days.

Day one included registration of all athletes. The event then kicked off with some great action and a display of the long-awaited return of amateur MMA events.

The event was attended by EFC athletes Rickie Misholas and Mzwandile Hlongwa.

Athletes gave their all to progress to the finals and finally become champions for 2021.

WATCH: A video showing MMA athletes competing

Their victory will allow them to get onto the SA squad to represent their country as Proteas at the world championships towards the end of the year.

Charl van Tonder of MMASA said Gauteng showcased high skill levels and persistence in their achievements.

“Local athlete Bjorn van Tonder (15) achieved first place, making him South Africa’s number one fighter in his youth category. This achievement makes him a second-time South African champion two years in a row. It puts him in the position to represent the country at the youth world championships in Turkey later this year,” he said.

MMA athlete Corbin Hearle, also from Brackenhurst, achieved second place in his youth B division.

“MMA is one of the quickest growing sports in the world that draws a vast amount of spectators worldwide. We hope for the world to return to normal again soon for the fans to support their athletes,” said van Tonder