More fight nights off due to the coronavirus

JUST like the rest of the world, the combat sport arena has come to a stand-still due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Various mixed martial arts organisations across the globe have had to put events either on hold, or cancel them.

The much-anticipated superfight between Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) king Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson seems to be facing a sixth cancellation.

Closer to home, African-based promotions the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) have put #EFC85 on hold too, while the Professional Fighting Championship (PFC), who were set to host an Amateur Fight Night last weekend, have postponed their March 28 date.

“We are following protocols and once the lockdown is lifted and life goes back to normal we will decide on a date to give South Africa what they deserve,” says PFC co-owner Angelo Addinall.

The PFC Promotions were looking to host their #PFC15 event (professional and amateur bouts) in July, but with the postponement of their Amateur Fight Night, that date could be in jeopardy.

“Yes, #PFC15 is due for July, but we have a great amateur card we want to host before then depending on when we are allowed to,” said Addinall.

“We won’t leave the amateurs in the dark.

“They need fights.

“The point of Amateur Fight Night was to increase the pool of fighters and give the debutants a chance to get on the PFC rankings and challenge for that gold (a belt) in the future.”

Despite the lockdown, there are thousands of athletes doing what they can to stay fit and fight-ready in the comfort of their own home.

Independent Media and MzansiMMA reached out to a few athletes who shared a few of their workout routines and some words of encouragement for the people of Mother Earth via a video.

In the video, EFC athlete and boxer Paulwethu “Power” Namba asked the nation to “stand together and comply with the government”.

PFC strawweight fighter and Fighterz Inc. athlete Sarah Fish had the following to say: “Please stay safe, stay indoors, and stay fit.”

On the men’s side, EFC lightweight star Adrian “Rayo” Sanchez encouraged everybody to “not let the lockdown get you down...”, while his EFC colleague, welterweight Luke Michael, keeps his strength and cardio up so that he can be ready to sign for his next fight as soon as the opportunity arises.

“It’s a tough time for everyone in South Africa, but I urge you to stay healthy, keep training, keep moving, eat good food, and we will get through this together.”

■ Visit www.iol.co.za/sport to watch the video.