Tumelo Manyamala eyes success in TUF, which could get him a spot in the UFC.
Tumelo Manyamala, a rising star on the MMA scene, has embarked on a journey that could slingshot him to the pinnacle of the sport.
From the moment he discovered the world of mixed martial arts, the Parklands-based fighter has had one ambition – to compete in the UFC – the undisputed premier promotion of MMA.
Training out of Pride Fighting Academy in the District Six area, Manyamala has carved a formidable path through the South African MMA circuit, boasting an impressive 6-1 professional record.
His dominance is evident in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), the Mzansi equivalent of the UFC, where he remains undefeated at 5-0 with a 100% finish rate.
His sole loss came in a short-notice split decision in the UAE, a testament to his willingness to test himself against tough competition, even on foreign soil.
Now, the 26-year-old Manyamala finds himself in the fight capital of the world, Las Vegas, USA.
He’s not there for a vacation, though. He's a cast member on season 33 of the renowned reality TV show, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
This is the same platform that has launched the careers of numerous UFC champions, including megastars like Rashad Evans, Michael Bisping, and Kamaru Usman.
For Manyamala, TUF represents a golden ticket, a chance to accelerate his ascent to the highest echelons of MMA.
While the EFC Championship belt was a tempting target, the opportunity to showcase his skills on TUF was simply too good to even ponder.
Several South African fighters have graced the TUF stage before, including Mark Hulme, Rodie Roets and Nkazimulo Zulu.
Manyamala aims to surpass their achievements and become the first South African to reach the TUF finale, where he would compete for the UFC contract.
The stakes cannot be any higher. Should he make it to the finale, Manyamala could score a double victory.
The finale is scheduled to take place in the same month that he and his fiancée are expecting their first child, adding an extra layer of motivation to his already fierce determination.
He enters the TUF house on the heels of a lightning-fast victory. His last fight, in May of 2024, saw him dispatch Micky Cloete in 30 seconds.
Success on TUF would make him the third South African fighter to earn a spot on the current UFC roster.
However, Manyamala understands that simply reaching the UFC is not the ultimate goal. It's merely one step on the ladder to his ultimate ambition, capturing the shiny UFC championship belt.
The journey to UFC glory is a long and difficult one, demanding unwavering dedication, relentless training and a steady mental fortitude.
All this will be crucial on TUF, where the pressures of living in a shared house, intense training sessions and the constant scrutiny of cameras can take a toll on even the most seasoned fighters.
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