Undisputed MMA set to deliver a much-needed platform for people of the Cape
Undisputed MMA aims to deliver a world-class platform for Cape Town’s MMA athletes, echoing the impact Rising Stars has made over the past year.
Image: Lee Johnson/MzansiMMA
Renowned martial arts, fitness, and wellness coach Fidaah Edries continues to strengthen communities and uplift young people in Cape Town through the power of combat sports.
This weekend, Edries and his partner – world-renowned South African artist Irshaad Ally – will launch the first Southern Suburbs–based MMA promotion, Undisputed MMA. The inaugural event takes place tomorrow, Saturday, 29 November, at Oaklands Secondary School in Lansdowne, adjacent to the iconic Chukker Road Sports Complex, where generations of Western Cape athletes have showcased their talents in cricket, baseball, football, and more.
Earlier this year, with support from partners Vibrant Sport, Edries launched the first Rising Stars kickboxing and boxing promotion in Wynberg, created specifically for amateur athletes from the Southern Suburbs.
South Africa’s combat sports scene is no secret success story. Mzansi continues to produce world-class fighters who shine on global stages. The Western Cape is no exception; the province is bursting with emerging talent. Many young fighters now enter their chosen disciplines aspiring to follow in the footsteps of stars such as Dricus du Plessis, Faeez Jacobs, Ncedo Gomba, Peyton Letcher, Tumelo Manyamala, Terence Balelo, and others.
Promotions like Professional Fighting Championship, Barebones FC, Grassroots FC, Thaiholics FP, Jackie Brice Boxing, Insane Boxing Promotions, and Future Champs have long offered platforms for both amateur and professional athletes to grow.
However, Cape Town’s combat sports events often present logistical challenges. Shows like Barebones – previously in Melkbosstrand and now in Milnerton – and the PFC’s Camps Bay events require many fight fans, particularly those from the Cape Flats and the Southern and Northern Suburbs, to travel far.
Promotions such as Rising Stars helped fill this gap for athletes from areas including Athlone, Mitchell’s Plain, and Eerste River. Undisputed MMA aims to do the same – offering grassroots and amateur fighters a foundation to build their brands, sharpen their skills, and, should they choose, forge a path to the rapidly expanding world of professional MMA in South Africa, Africa, and beyond.
This weekend’s event features a 14-fight card, including four title bouts. The headline fight sees Aayesha Majiet and Jen Bromwich compete for the inaugural UMC Women’s Flyweight Title. The co-main event is a Men’s Flyweight Title clash between Barebones champion Reuben Job and PFC standout Nic Laubscher.
Tickets are available at the door and online, starting at R250. Doors open at 2 pm, with the first fight scheduled for 3 pm. The event is expected to conclude around 10 pm.
IOL Sport