Stiff jabs and hard liver knee kicks are some of the tools that 19-year-old mixed martial artist, Brian Ncube, from Milnerton, packs in his fighting arsenal.
Ncube was knocked out in his last outing in May last year, by the very same opponent he will face next month, this time around, the stakes are higher.
Fighting out of Thaiholics Cape Town in Montague Gardens, Ncube will face off against Altaaf Armien, for the World Muay Thai Organisation’s (WMO) featherweight South African – Professional-Amateur Title on May 11.
In their previous meeting at TFP7 last year, Ncube was ahead on points during the three-round Pro-Am lightweight fight. He was cruising to victory following three liver kicks that knocked down his opponent, Armien, in the first and second rounds.
Although Ncube was the more active of the two, the fight wasn’t over until the last bell rang. While closing in on his opponent, Ncube was caught with a kick to the temple that sent him straight to the canvas.
“This just adds more motivation to come back stronger in this fight. He’ll meet a better version of me, a lot sharper and stronger,” said Ncube.
A year later, ready to get the crowd rumbling again, Ncube has his sights set on the belt.
“The crowd can expect me to give it my all as I always do in each and every fight but also to see the growth from my previous fight and the best version of me on May 11,” he said.
Ncube said he plans to leave no stone unturned.
“Having this opportunity is what I’ve been working towards for a while and it’s definitely a step in the right direction. I really appreciate the opportunity given to me by the TFP crew, Nicholas Radley, and everything they’ve done to not only grow me as a fighter but also the sport of Muay Thai in South Africa, by creating such a professional atmosphere,” he said.
Ncube’s goal is to dominate the sport on an international level, but first, he has a task to take care off, against Wrestling for MMA’s Armien.
“I’m only 19 years old and still have a lot to learn and room to grow. I feel like testing my skills in Thailand will be good for my growth as a fighter…
“Keep chasing your dreams, if you fully pursue something that you’re interested in it’s definitely possible to achieve it. There will be bumps and lessons on the way but all that matters is that you keep working towards your goals and dreams,” he said.
Ncube will fight Armien for the WMO featherweight South African – Professional-Amateur Title, at Thaiholics Fight Promotions’ Battle Royale, in Sunningdale, on May 11. Book through Quicket.
