Local MMA champion, Cedric ‘The Dominator’ Doyle (37), is back in the ring again after two years.
Doyle already won his first fight since has been back in the hexagon when he faced Pierre Botha on Saturday, April 23 at the Omega 1 Championship held at the Expo Centre in Johannesburg.
Omega 1 is a new pro-MMA championship and Doyle made sure his first fight was a memorable one when he beat Botha after only three minutes in the first round with an arm triangle submission.
Doyle had been focusing more on coaching his fighters at Dominators Den the
pasts two years, but when the organisers contacted him and asked him to fight, he decided to get back into the ring as it was a big promotion and a good opportunity for him.
“It was a big fight for me. Botha won the South African Wrestling Championship 37 times,” said Doyle.
Doyle’s part-time fighting career began in 2009 and throughout the years he has done kickboxing, Brazillian Jui Jitsu, wrestling and Muay Thai fighting.
Doyle had to undergo brain surgery in 2016 after he found out he had bleeding in the brain due to a previous fight.
This did not stop him from continuing to excel in his professional career as a part-time professional MMA fighter and Doyle carried on to win numerous fights at various promotions and championships.
Doyle tore his ligaments 10 days before his fight against Botha and he went for therapy at Lumé Brits Physical Therapist and she helped him to prepare for his fight and to recover.
“She really lives up to the hashtag she uses on social media, namely #don’tletyourinjurysidelineyou,” said Doyle.
He thanked her and all his other sponsors for their support.
Doyle practised twice daily, in the mornings and during his lunch break.
He has a full-time job as a quality controller at Sasol and a family to support.
He also follows a strict diet to prepare for his fights where he cuts out sugar, fat and carbohydrates.
Doyle is already preparing for his next fight that will take place in August, also as part of the Omega Promotional Championship.
He thanked his wife, Ilse and the couple’s two daughters, Caylee (8) and Mila (2) for their support.
“My wife supports me through all my diets and strict training and looks after the children when I am training.”
He also said without God this journey would not have been possible and he is thankful that God protected him during his fight.
He encouraged people to seek the Lord and have quiet time with Him.
“If you seek Him and pray, He will answer you,” said Doyle.
“If you are going through a difficult time in your life, whether it is divorce or whatever, talk to God, He will guide you.
“He is the Lord of lords and King of kings.”
He also thanked his training partners who helped him and supported him in the corner of the ring, Smit ‘Malboer’ Steyn, Vince Bembe and Henco Combrinck.
“This sport is very tough and not everyone can do it, I respect my fellow fighters and partners,” said Doyle.
Steyn is the next fighter of Dominators Den to tackle an opponent at the EFC Championship on June 4.
This fight will be broadcasted on SuperSport channel 210 and Steyn will be fighting against an opponent from Spain, Guillermo Gasca Fresnida.
Bembe, also from Dominators Den, will fight on July 16, also in the EFC Championship against a fighter from Scotland, Quer Harvie.
The members of Dominators Den practice on Mondays and Wednesdays and they are now located at Graceland Casino, Hotel and Country Club.
Anyone who is interested in joining can visit their Facebook page for more information.
