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MMA’s African fighters are sparking a new era for the sport

MMA’s African fighters are sparking a new era for the sport

THE triumphs of African fighters in global mixed martial arts (MMA) tournaments are not just fueling a new generation of competitors entering the rigorous sport; they are establishing a distinct presence for MMA on the continent. Dricus Du Plessis, the 30-year-old South African professional mixed martial artist who kicked and punched his way into carrying the UFC middleweight championship belt on Saturday, January 20, has become the continent's latest poster boy for the sport. “It felt like 15 years of work, of gyming, of sacrificing—everything came together in one single sentence,” the South African expressed after the fight, according to…
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Fury knocked down but beats Ngannou on a split decision

Fury knocked down but beats Ngannou on a split decision

 WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury beat former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou on a split decision in a non-title fight in Saudi Arabia that almost delivered one of boxing's biggest upsets. Fury, the unbeaten holder of one of the sport's most prestigious belts, narrowly avoided a first defeat at the hands of a 37-year-old opponent who had never boxed professionally before but went through the full 10 rounds with some swagger. Ngannou dropped the Briton to the canvas in round three with a left hook and although the 35-year-old self-styled "Gypsy King" was able to see out the round he…
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Africa ascends to the UFC throne

Africa ascends to the UFC throne

CAMEROONIAN Mixed Martial Arts heavyweight Francis Ngannou has been through more than most on his journey to becoming the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion.  “I felt like I missed my childhood, I had to work at a young age and it wasn’t enough” said Ngannou. From the age of 10, in Batie, Cameroon, Ngannou had to work in a sand quarry to help the living standards at home.  “We had to work, to contribute to the village,” he said. Additionally, he had to wake up at 5am to start navigating the six mile long journey to school was a…
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