Barebones MMA Championship 9: Rising stars shine as champions crowned in Milnerton

Khayelitsha’s Fikile Mbane gets his hand raised after beating Umir Abrahams via unanimous decision in their Men’s Catchweight (63kg) bout on Saturday. Photo: Michael Attfield Barebones MC Barebones Mixed Martial Arts Championship once again delivered on its promise of showcasing Africa’s next generation of amateur mixed martial arts talent at BMC9 on Saturday. Inside the Sunningdale Sports Complex in Milnerton, 38 warriors stepped into the Barebones cage and left everything on the canvas, treating a crowd of more than 200 passionate supporters to an afternoon and evening of thrilling action.

Family members, teammates, coaches, friends, partners, and loyal “brasse” packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere as they rallied behind their respective athletes and gyms. Judging by the rapid growth of the amateur scene, South Africa’s grassroots MMA movement is well on its way to eclipsing the professional ranks, at least in terms of activity and participation. With more events being staged across the country than ever before, the sport continues to break further into mainstream culture as increasing numbers of people walk through gym doors to take up one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.

Some dream of building professional careers, while others are drawn to MMA to develop confidence, learn self-defence, improve their fitness, or simply become healthier versions of themselves. The value of mixed martial arts extends far beyond competition. Across South Africa, the sport has become a powerful vehicle for positive social change, helping combat social ills, instilling discipline, and providing young people and adults alike with opportunities to improve their lives through structure, mentorship, and personal development.

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The Youth Card showed the tenacity and talent of the young athletes. A particularly outstanding bout was that of Yordanis Hernandez Sampre (CDS) squaring off against Ashiq Rhode (House of Warriors). The Cuban-born Namibian put on a great display of all-round dominance.

It was a distinct indication of Rhode playing the long game, while Sampre narrowed the distance to strike at close range. Most notably, it was Sampre’s devastating body punches that hampered Rhode. Despite this, Rhode maintained his composure and countered whenever he saw fit.

Sampre’s smothering top control also neutralised Rhode, and this proved to be the decisive factor in earning the nod from the judges. To conclude the Prelim Card, the only female strawweight bout between Aqeelah Salie (PFA) and Haaniem Manan (Fighterz Inc.) was nothing short of spectacular. Manan was the initial aggressor, driving Salie up against the cage in an attempt to take her down, but Salie’s swift reversal forced Manan to reset.

Salie’s punches proved overwhelming for Manan, who rushed in again for a second takedown. Although Manan secured the half-guard position and controlled Salie on the canvas, Salie managed to get back to her feet. She regained the top position and promptly unleashed relentless ground-and-pound. Salie earned a referee-stoppage victory at the end of the first round.

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