Roaring cheers and the clash of combat filled the Elite MMA venue in Duynefontein this past weekend, as the Barebones MMA Championships returned with its third instalment, named Trinity.
The packed house was treated to a night of electrifying fights, showcasing the raw talent and fierce competitiveness of amateur MMA fighters.
Among the standout performers, Jason McKay emerged as a force to be reckoned with, capturing the welterweight belt in a thrilling showdown against Patrick Ndomba.
From the start of the fight, it was a whirlwind of action.
McKay talked of his desire to join the professional ranks and he knew he needed to overcome challengers like Ndomba on his way.
He showcased great ability to adapt and execute his game plan and force his counterpart to dance to his tune.
Under the expert guidance of his corner, led by Don Madge and the MADfit team, McKay maintained his composure amid the oncoming heavy hands of Ndomba.
He understood that Ndomba’s power was a double-edged sword, and that patience and calculated aggression were key to victory.
McKay expertly used his grappling skills to neutralise Ndomba’s powerful hands. He patiently waited for the opportune moment, using his ground game to control the fight and wear down his opponent.
His strategy paid dividends in the third round when he secured a tight anaconda choke, forcing Ndomba to tap out.
“I am very excited,” said McKay. “I worked really hard for this. It was a tough fight, and I’m happy I was able to get the finish.”
McKay’s journey in the amateur ranks has been marked by steady progress and a desire to reach the top of the sport. He makes no secret of his ambition to turn professional. “I’m not doing this for fun,” he said. “I’m looking to take it all the way.”
The other championship belt awarded on the night went to Phillip Cronjé who secured a lightweight title victory with a submission against Ameer Gamza.
Their fight was a back-and-forth affair, a thrilling display of skill and athleticism.
Cronjé’s decisive submission made the judges’ job easier as the two were seemingly on par competition-wise inside the cage.
The card featured a diverse mix of fighters, from grapplers to strikers, ensuring that every fight offered something unique and captivating.
The rest of the main card also delivered its share of memorable moments.
Junaid Brown from Trident MMA emerged victorious via stoppage against Irfaan Mohammed Saib from Go For Broke in a hard-fought battle while Colby Baxter from Knockout Centre earned a judges’ decision against Luqmaan Hartley of Legion MMA in an entertaining clash.
Andrew Hunter from Titans MMA secured a ground-and-pound victory over Mpumelelo Dube from House of Combat and in a bantamweight title eliminator, Zaahir Abrahams from Fighters Inc. earned a submission win against Gideon Devasahayam of Performance Institute.
