Local MMA fighter secures gold at 2024 IMMAF World Championships

Local mixed martial arts fighter Kiara Fegen (23) secured a gold title in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) 2024 World Championships.

Kiara recently fought in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she claimed the title, becoming the first South African champion since 2016.

Reflecting on her first fight in the semi-finals against Maria Libera from Angola, Kiara said, “I pulled off a rear-naked choke finish in the first round.

“Moving onto the finals, I was slightly nervous because I was facing Iris Nithi, the 2022 champion from Finland. But with this fight, I knew I had to get in there and finish it, which is what I did. I secured the gold with another first-round submission; this time with a ninja choke.”

Kiara, who has been training in jiu-jitsu for almost 10 years, earned her purple belt and has spent four of those years focused on MMA.

She added she will be turning professional soon as she feels she has reached the peak of her amateur career. The MMA fighter holds two championship titles for local events on top of her new international title.

“I believe I am a champion because I surround myself with champions; not just fighters, but great people in my everyday life. I am extremely blessed to know these amazing people.”

Kiara stems from the House of Tinkerbell in Selection Park under local boxer and EFC middleweight champion JP Kruger and Huntley Smith from Arte Suave in Springs and a gym in Alberton.

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