Young fighter takes fifth at world champs

The young fighter held his own in the championships, sharing the podium with four others.

Charma du Plessis

August 6, 2023

The South African youth team of which Darius Dekker was part.

Darius Dekker recently participated in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth 2023 World Championships in Abu Dhabi and came fifth.

The Grade 10 learner from Hoërskool Die Anker participated in the 14 to 15 age category and the U67kg weight class in the Youth B group.

Also read: Darius vaar uitstekend in Abu Dhabi

He won his first fight in under 40 seconds but lost his other two fights to earn him a joint fifth place with Uzbekistan’s Sanjarbek Atadjanov.

The championships took place from August 2 to 5.

Darius Dekker in the ring after winning his first fight.

Darius Dekker at the airport, preparing to take off to Abu Dhabi.