MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
Julian Kiewietz|Published
While the show focused on development this time around, it can be argued that WKS Africa delivered its best card yet.
Taking place at the Sunningdale Sports Complex in Milnerton, Cape Town, on Saturday, the fast-rising promotion produced an exhilarating 13-fight card that gave fans, officials, gyms and communities a glimpse into the future, as a handful of competitors either made their kickboxing debuts or stepped into the squared circle for only the second or third time.
In the lead-up to the event, WKS Africa director Wade Hammond emphasised his goal of “placing a spotlight on grassroots talent and creating opportunities for newcomers to showcase their potential”, and this certainly came to fruition on the night, as hundreds of fans and family members showed up and showed out in support of their fighters and gyms.
“My goal has always been to grow the sport of K-1 from day one, so for this event, I’ve decided to focus more on grassroots amateurs, giving fighters starting from zero fights the opportunity to gain experience and showcase their potential,” Hammond added.
While the night did not deliver an abundance of technical knockouts (TKOs) or knockouts (KOs), the crowd's response highlighted the energy and appreciation of the supporters, who “oohed and aahed” in response to every kick, defensive guard, jab, push kick, roundhouse kick, sweep and hook.
It was a great advertisement for the growth of the sport, while also highlighting the knowledge and passion of an engaged and educated crowd that was immersed in every fight. As the competitors went toe-to-toe and delivered all-out action, those in attendance could be heard offering encouragement and even their own “officiating” assistance whenever they disagreed with the referee in the centre of the ring.
It was a special night for The TroubleMakers, Infinite MMA and Triple Threat Dojo, all of whom walked away victorious in their respective bouts.
EFC double champion and gym owner Faeez Jacobs' team delivered five wins from five fights, as the TroubleMakers army turned out in full force to support their gladiators, who represented the Plumstead-based gym with full aplomb.
In the opening fight of the card, TroubleMakers' Lila Peters and Sparrthais' Chloe Solomon showcased their maturity and skill in their junior female under-60kg hard-contact bout.
Despite being just 14 years old, the two young warriors displayed incredible talent and fight IQ, demonstrating an understanding of distance management and counterattacking while knowing when to turn up the intensity. In the end, Peters walked away with a unanimous decision victory in a bout many considered a strong contender for Fight of the Night.
Peters' teammates followed suit, as Seth Mongohо, Ibrahim Ackerman, Lee Conradie and Charnlee Moyo all secured victories, completing a clean sweep for the Plumstead-based gym, which continues to produce bright prospects within the combat sports space.
Infinite MMA also secured victories in both of its bouts, making it an especially memorable night for Mila Mangaliso and Francois Labuschagne. Beyond securing wins, both fighters were able to reflect on their journeys and share how their involvement in combat sports had played a significant role in improving their lives, lifestyles and overall health.
The ever-dangerous and respected Roodepoort-based Triple Threat Dojo once again made the trip to Cape Town and handled business as they so often do, securing victories on the early prelims card and in the co-main event.
Lian van Zyl defeated Dale Mauritz via unanimous decision (UD), while Chloe Assad landed on the right side of a split decision against Camp Fight's talented Zoe Klaassen.
Assad showcased impressive footwork, movement and distance management to frustrate her opponent, who struggled to find her rhythm and unleash the powerful roundhouse and side kicks that had echoed throughout the warm-up sessions in the lead-up to the bout.
Deceptive in her approach, Assad read Klaassen well before putting her strikes and counterstrikes to work, moving in and out of range and laterally to prevent her opponent from settling into a rhythm.
The main event saw WKS Lightweight Grand Prix champion Moyo and Vipers Gym's David Mataswa bring the evening to a nail-biting conclusion. Their closely contested encounter left fans calling for a rematch, potentially with a title on the line, following Moyo's split-decision victory.
You can check out highlights from the event on MzansiMMA's Instagram and Facebook pages.
WKS Africa 3 – Full Fight Card
Lightweight, Pro-Am: Charnlee Moyo defeated David Mataswa via split decision (SD) after three rounds.
Welterweight, Pro-Am: Chloe Assad defeated Zoe Klaassen via split decision after three rounds.
Flyweight, Amateur: Lee Conradie defeated Tiana Muchenje via unanimous decision (UD).
Lightweight, Amateur: James Hayward defeated Shannon Mbanje via third-round technical knockout (TKO).
PRELIMINARY CARD
Junior Male Featherweight, Amateur: Hamza Mouneimn defeated Jose Griegoe via split decision (SD).
Featherweight, Amateur: Ibrahim Ackerman defeated Seth Pasqualle via unanimous decision (UD) after three rounds.
Middleweight, Amateur: Fawaaz Davids defeated Ruben Botha via technical knockout (TKO).
Welterweight, Amateur: Reilly Mare defeated Adeeb Isaacs via technical knockout (TKO).
EARLY PRELIMINARY CARD
Featherweight (63kg), Amateur: Seth Mongohо defeated Lizo Ntloko via split decision (SD) after three rounds.
Welterweight, Amateur: Francois Labuschagne defeated Eric Bender via unanimous decision (UD) after three rounds.
Teens Under 56kg, Hard Contact, Amateur: Lian van Zyl defeated Dale Mauritz via unanimous decision (UD) after three rounds.
Welterweight, Amateur: Mila Mangaliso defeated McDonald Magaramombe via split decision after three rounds.
Junior Female Under 60kg, Hard Contact, Amateur: Lila Peters defeated Chloe Solomon via unanimous decision (UD) after three rounds.