Shaun back from Bahrain
Shaun ‘Flash’ Joubert (28), who fights out of House of Tinkerbell (HOT), has just returned from Bahrain where he had the opportunity to fight on an international stage as part of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (Immaf) championships.
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The championships took place from November 12 to 19.
Although he was eliminated from the competition when he lost his first fight, Shaun says the experience taught him a lot and was valuable in developing his fighting.
“I learnt so much.
“I learnt to believe in my skills and try to play it smart, but I want to be an exciting fighter whom people want to watch.”
Discussing his fight, Shaun says he fought the son of Northern Ireland’s national coach and although he lost, he feels he was the better fighter in the ring and stood a good chance of winning.
“He was a good fighter but I still believe I am better and could have won.
“He was a southpaw which also made it difficult since I have never faced a southpaw which was something I battled to get used to.”
He adds: “I didn’t fight my fight. It is difficult to explain but I got caught in the moment and did not follow the game plan or what I have been working on the last few months.”
However, Shaun has returned to South Africa with lessons he believes he can implement to ensure success in the future.
“I learnt not to let the pressure of a big fight get to me and just do what I am trained and prepared to do.”
Shaun says: “As far as my highlights go, stepping into the cage on the biggest platform for amateurs is an experience I cannot explain!
“Representing South Africa was amazing!
“I met some wonderful people and got to train with some of the world’s best.”
His next fight will be on Feburary 3 and he has been selected to take part in a new reality fighting show to be broadcast on Starsat.
The winner will receive a professional contract with Fightstars and will be guaranteed of a fight overseas as well.