The cold and rain could not keep fight fans away from the action-packed programme at Melkbosstrand High School on Saturday when the Barebones MMA Championships officially kicked off.
This can only mean good things for the growth of the sport, thanks in particular to Lyndall Sandenbergh, who has been spearheading MMA development in the city.
Not only is she involved with growing the sport in Cape Town, but she is also part of the coaching team for MMA juniors for Team South Africa when it comes to international events.
While it was raining cats and dogs outside, inside the school hall fists were flying, with kicks and grappling all on display, much to the appreciation of those in attendance.
The event is meant to be a stepping stone to a professional setting for upcoming MMA stars. Junior fighters and South African champs are some of the budding MMA stars making the most of the opportunity to compete in a cage.
Fighterz Inc, Mecs, Elite, and Reps MMA were among the gyms that had their fighters taking part in the weekend’s blow-by-blow action.
In the main event, Iviwe Mphathiswa got the honour of being the first fighter to have a Barebones MMA title wrapped around his waist after finishing Ameer Ghamza with a rear-naked choke.
The featherweight bout was an entertaining affair, with both fighters looking to stamp their names in MMA circles with an unforgettable performance.
The co-main event was equally thrilling, with Litha Madikiza and Zaahir Abrahams battling it out for the bantamweight title eliminator.
The back-and-forth action ended with Abrahams getting the nod from the judges with a split decision after three rounds.
In another title eliminator at lightweight, Luqmaan Hartley got the job done against Burger Geldenhuys.
A total of 10 fights were staged on the day, including women’s bouts, opened by current SA champion Jodie van der Walt.
Van der Walt, a 15-year-old pupil from Melkbosstrand High School, is no stranger to MMA competition, having won gold at the national championships in Durban earlier this year. Her national victory booked her a ticket to the IMMAF Youth World Championships being held in Abu Dhabi in August.
Sandenbergh dedicated this event to her late husband, Mec, who died of a heart attack while they were climbing in Baviaanskloof on December 20, 2020.
“Mec’s fight system was called Barebones, emphasising the fundamentals of fighting,” she said.
One of her biggest goals is to keep Mec’s memory alive. “I get so much praise now, but none of what I do would have been possible if it wasn’t for Mec and all he taught me and inspired me to do.”
Sandenbergh said the Barebones MMA Championship promises to be a thrilling event featuring a series of match-ups going forward.
“I am so honoured to have been able to bring this event to life. It was a brainchild of mine and Mec’s for many years, but I never thought I would have the opportunity to see this dream to fruition.
“The goal with Barebones MMA Championships is to be able to create a promotion for fighters by fighters.
“The fighters’ needs and well being as well as their careers need to be considered during all aspects of the event organisation,” said Sandenbergh.
If the turnout and the action are anything to go by, the second Barebones MMA Championships promises to be an even bigger affair.
Sandenbergh added that her vision is to create a promotion that truly focuses on MMA.
“Undiluted by other combat arts or any rule set other than that set forth by IMMAF. We are currently the only promotion in Cape Town that has all their MMA events in a cage; The way it should be.
“I am excited to see the leap in ability and experience that this will bring into the Western Cape. Being able to offer a platform that is supported by athletes, coaches and spectators alike is a real dream come true.
“The cheers from the crowd made me smile and shed a few tears at Mec’s absence. I know he would have been so proud of what we have put together,” she said.
The event’s success not only highlights the talent present in Cape Town but also underscores the community’s hunger for the sport.
