Dansheel is in no rush for title fight yet

MIXED martial arts fighter Dansheel “Buddha” Moodley, above, sent a clear message to the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) world last week with a critical win over Josemar Octavio.

The 26-year-old, who now has three victories on the trot, has become a contender for the EFC flyweight title, currently held by Nkazimulo Zulu.

In front of a capacity crowd at Sibaya Casino, including family and friends, Moodley, of Isipingo, raised the roof with fast-pace strikes and a dynamic submission game.

A high-energy first round saw Octavio opt for a big take down, which got the crowd going. Moodley responded well in defence.

The Angolan struggled to make an impact with Moodley on his back, and they headed into the second round with everything to fight for.

“He thought I was only a stand-up fighter. When he took me down, I outwrestled him, and my game plan from there was to work him with my boxing and Muaythai skills,” said Moodley.

In the second round, Moodley began to work his magic and landed some heavy blows to Octavio’s body.

“In his last three bouts he did not get past the first round, so I knew I needed to test his conditioning. I broke him down mentally and physically.”

Moodley says the victory gave him a chance to show the world he has what it takes to rise to the top after just two years of competing professionally.

“Many think I have not been truly tested over the years, so in this fight, I put my head down and wanted to show the world my skills as an MMA fighter,” said Moodley.

He added: “I am not just a wrestler, stand-up fighter or boxer I believe I’m the complete package. No matter who fights me, they know there will be a big war.”

While he’s on a roll, Moodley says he is in no rush to get into the hexagon for a title fight just yet. “The win sent a shock wave through the division. I am not in a rush for the belt, but I believe I’m the number one contender.”

Moodley will take a break from his rigorous training schedule over the next month as he prepares to marry his fiancée of three years, Shivani Reddy, later this month.

“It is wonderful time of my life. We are looking forward to the wedding. Of course I will be back in the gym soon,” he said.