POLOKWANE – Local Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Roedie Roets took part in the MMA Amateur World Championships in Las Vegas that took place from 5 to 7 July where he secured a phenomenal win.
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“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I am so thankful. There were challenges and many tough tests, but in the end I did my best and I am so happy to have prevailed,” he tells Review.
It was the first time Roets took part in the world championship. He says a month before the event he did intense training and mental preparations and followed his coaches’ instructions at all times. He ate healthy food and watched his weight. A week before the competition he managed to lose the last bit of weight and stayed focused on the end goal. He also did light training. The day before the fight he made sure he did everything he could to stay calm and clear-headed.
“I will never forget this event. The feeling of my hand being raised into the air and being named world champion is one I have been working towards my whole life.
Roets faced off against two top class fighters. He was supposed to fight three but his opponent from Australia did not make the weight class. He fought in the lightweight category (66 to 70 kg) and says the level of international fighters is not higher than local fighters. “We have a huge variety of fighters doing really well and they are just getting better and better.
“We are definitely on the right path.”
Roets says he is lucky to have his father as his coach. “My father is always there to support me and lead me to success. My uncle, Martin Martins, was with me all the way and supported me with everything I did. My team members also fully supported me in every fight, from the preparations to the final punch. I am so grateful to everyone who believed in me,” he tells Review.
Roets’ advice to other MMA fighters is to keep training hard and to always listen to their coaches. “Be relentless in chasing your dreams.”
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