One of the fastest-growing mixed martial arts (MMA) brands on the African continent celebrates its tenth event this weekend in Pretoria.
Since its inception in April 2021, Versus Fight Promotion has grown in leaps and bounds, nurturing and showcasing some of Africa’s upcoming mixed martial artists, providing a professional platform for amateur fighters to hone their skills and talents and gauge their levels before going on to the professional circuit.
Versus has helped produce some of Mzansi’s top stars to date, with current professionals including Ntando Zondi, Peace Nguphane, Guelor Sondi, Nathanial Komana, Guide Moyo and more all performing under Versus fight lights once upon a time.
Tomorrow, fans will enjoy more high-level fighting as a tasty 13-fight card will be available at the Heartfelt Arena in Pretoria.
The card will deliver two title fights and a range of other exciting bouts.
The main event will see lightweight champion Khanyo Maqam defend his title against Abel Khoza, before Thapelo Seabi puts his bantamweight strap on the line when he faces Sisa Jungula.
Another banger fight set to enthral the masses will be the heavyweight match-up between Arnold Cleophas and Terrence Born. The winner between these two juggernauts will be fighting Versus fan favourite Neil “Muffin Man” Koch for the heavyweight title next.
This show could not have celebrated Versus Promotion’s 10th event in a better manner as the promoters and brains trust are pulling out all the stops.
This show has received traction from all corners of the MMA community, and even Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) matchmaker and vice-president Graeme Cartmell has weighed in, commenting that it was a “nice card” on social media.
“It is awesome for us to be celebrating our tenth event, and we will be doing some extra things for this show – you will see on the night,” Versus boss Jan van den Berg said.
Van den Berg, who has built the Versus brand with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight star and former EFC champion Cameron Saaiman, has big plans for the future.
“We are looking into buying our venue, where we would like to host amateur events every four weeks to give everybody an opportunity,” he said.
“We receive so many applications as so many guys ask us year after year if they can fight. But the truth is we can’t always accommodate everybody.
“We would also like to spend more time building our amateurs as some athletes turn professional too quickly, and it’s not in the best interest of the fighter, his or her future, and the ultimate growth of MMA in the country.”
Van den Berg will also be adding a pro leg to the brand for those who are ready to make the step up.
“We will unveil our first professional card on September 14 at the ‘Moer ‘n Boer’ show, where we are aiming to add two professional fights to give fans a real treat.”
The ‘Moer ‘n Boer’ show will see 12 farmers from across the country test their mettle inside the cage after having trained in combat sports with professional fighters for the past six months.
That card will produce six fights before Versus rolls out three amateur fights and finally two of its first professional bouts.
“From there on our plan so far is to have four pro events per year, where we will be travelling with the cage. This will be in places like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria,” added Van den Berg.
Tomorrow’s Versus Fight Night 10 card kicks off at 5.30pm, with the main card starting at 10pm, and the show will be available on Versus Promotion’s YouTube channel.