Fightstar have always been known to keep their intense and action-packed fight card hidden from the public until two weeks before an event.
This time round, however, everything is coming out early and they have already announced two title fights, one women’s fight and now the main card of the event.
Fightstar 9 will take place on October 25, at the same venue as the previous Fightstar, St John’s Hellenic Hall, corner of Lobeilia and Wychwood roads.
A six-fight main card for Fightstar 9 has just been released.
All these fights are set up to decide either number one contenders, or a title is on the line, as Tjaart Henning and Jasen van der Merwe both defend their belts for the first time.
“A massive main card, with six of the best fights you will ever see,” said Fightstar matchmaker Grant Oliff.
“Not only do we have two title fights, but the winners of the middleweight clashes will go on to fight for the middleweight belt, at Fightstar 10.”
“There is plenty on the line and these guys will deliver, so don’t miss out.”
Fightstar 9 promises to be one of the biggest Fightstar events so far and, with a ranking system clearly being shifted into place, amateur athletes have never had more motivation to work for their spot in the Fightstar hexagon.
“Fighters and gyms realise that Fightstar means business and that this is the stepping stone to the big time,” said Fightstar president Pietro Cignoli.
“The fight preparation camps are taken very seriously; the fighters’ commitment to the Fightstar promotion is amazing.
“The level of amateur MMA has grown in leaps and bounds; Grant Oliff has stepped up once again and delivered the fights that people want to see.
“This card is going to be one of the most explosive cards to date and fighters from all over South Africa and abroad will be showcasing their skills on Africa’s most exciting Amateur MMA promotion.
“Fightstar and EFC Africa proudly support the Fighting Fit African Youth Development programme, and two development athletes from the programme will be competing at Fightstar 9.”
Fightstar and EFC Africa have worked closely from the beginning to grow the sport in the country and to develop young athletes in the Fighting Fit Africa programme looking to create careers in the MMA world.
“We are very proud to be associated with the Fighting Fit Africa Youth Development Project,” said Cairo Howarth, EFC president.
“It is amazing to see the sport of MMA making such positive changes in the lives of young people, and the possibility of discovering talent, that may not otherwise have been seen, is incredibly exciting.”
Fightstar 9 Main card:
- Cassim Khusu vs Norman Lekgothoane.
- Shogun vs Johan Erasmus.
- Ettiene Jacobs vs Armano Steyn.
- Quaid Openshaw vs Leandre Brettschneider.
- Jasen van der Merwe vs Juan-Pierre Bezhuidenhout.
- Tjaart Henning vs Warren King.
