Roedie has big dreams

I MAY be very wrong, but the little that I have come to learn about Roedie Roets has made me appreciate the fighter, the athlete and the human being all together.

Maybe it’s got to do with him being born and bred in Polokwane, a small city in comparison to your big players in Mzansi such as Durban, Cape Town etc. Small towns and cities are often home to down-to-earth people.

You know ... decent, respectable, and humble brothers and sisters.

This brother may be from a small city, but make no mistake, he has very big dreams. And let me assure you, he is more than capable of reaching them.

“Ten years ago, I was only 12-yearsold, I saw the EFC and from that point on I always wanted to be a champion and I want to be the champion of the world,” says Roedie ahead of his fight at EFC77 this weekend.

Residing in a town that is home to some of South Africa’s most elite wrestlers, Roedie has kept up the reputation as he is regarded as one of the best wrestlers the country has produced so far. The wrestling champion and amateur MMA world champion who is undefeated in both professional and amateur MMA is undoubtedly a top prospect, with a notorious reputation.

“Relentless” by name and reputation, he continually puts the pressure on his opponents.

In his last fight, Roedie dominated a judo prince in the form of Sindile Manengela. Roedie’s controlled breathing and sniper-like tactics amplified his presence in the featherweight division as he submitted Sindile in the third via rear-naked choke.

On Saturday, he takes on another impressive fighter who is an exceptional wrestler in the form of Pierre Botha.

A win against Pierre will certainly place Roedie closer to the title as a match-up against featherweight champion, Igeu Kabesa will be a mouth-watering prospect, especially considering that both these players are elite wrestlers.