A new era in South African Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is about to begin this month, when two locally trained amateur stars will make their professional debuts at the biggest mixed martial arts event in Africa.<\/p>\n
The nationally televised Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Africa 30 will be held at the Grandwest Arena, in Cape Town on June 5, and local, undefeated fighters Luke Michael and Nathan “Shake ‘n Bake” Fredericks will enter the paid ranks for the first time.<\/p>
Both fighters have honed their skills at the famous REPS MMA Academy, in Bellville, under head trainer Rico Hattingh.<\/p>\n
“Both fighters are ready to hit the big time, both are undefeated and they are ready to begin their professional careers at EFC Africa 30,” said Hattingh.<\/p>
A lot of hard training and expert coaching has got Michael and Fredericks to this point, and the two REPS MMA fighters are bursting to get down to business on the biggest televised event of its kind in South Africa.<\/p>\n
Michael says that competing at EFC Africa has been a dream since he started mixed martial arts.<\/p>\n
An amateur champion with seven wins under his belt and no losses, Michael credits his undefeated run to the dedication and expertise of his coaching team at REPS MMA, and his own determination.<\/p>\n
“I have always wanted to compete on this level; the last two years have been a testing process, but I know I am ready to fight on the biggest stage in Africa,” he said.<\/p>\n
Michael will take on Saxon Delafield tomorrow, in the lightweight division.<\/p>\n
Fredericks, also fighting out of the renowned Bellville club and trained by Hattingh, said he decided to turn professional to test himself.<\/p>\n
“I want to find out how good I really am,” he explained.<\/p>\n
A highly rated amateur, undefeated in eight fights, Fredericks takes on Sindile Manengela in the featherweight division.<\/p>\n
He has been sparring with EFC Africa light heavyweight champion Gideon Drotschie and fellow debutant Michael, at REPS MMA.<\/p>\n