PRESS RELEASE: Cape Fight League Signs Sanctioning Partnership for PRO K1

Following its announcement last week that Cape Town’s favourite fight promotion, Cape Fight League (CFL) will be turning professional in the K1 and Mixed Martial Arts and boxing space, the promotion has also announced new sanctioning partners for the various fighting arts.

“Cape Fight League will host SAKA PRO sanctioned events giving fighters the opportunity to earn WACO provincial, national, intercontinental and world titles for K1 in South Africa, this means there will be an official ranking system put in place, therefore real champions,” said the organizations president, Ivan de Vries.

 de Vries added: “We will also be hosting Pro Boxing events sanctioned by Boxing SA as well as Pro MMA events sanctioned by MMASA, it is simply wonderful news that all CFL’s events will now be sanctioned by the South African National bodies in all the codes that we present.”

“Having always been interested in the development side of the fight game, we now provide a platform for South African fighters to further develop their talent to international levels, by competing against American, European, African and Asian opponents,” De Vries added.

The first SAKA, WACO sanctioned event takes place 26 March at Suningdale Sports Complex in Parklands and features three exciting titles fights:

Adrian Van Wyk (Tricore)  vs Kulekani Hlongwa (Lion’s Den) 5 rounds 3 Min under 84kg, Light heavy weight division.

Sors Grobbelaar (Two Brother) vs Juan Bezuidenhout 5 rounds 3 Min Heavy Weight.

Lucky van der Mokate (Young Guns) vs Michael Clacher (Thai Holics) 5 rounds 3 Min Under 60.1 Kg. Lightweight division

“Our aim is to ensure that we provide the best possible fight opportunities within all the fighting styles showcased at Cape Fight League events. We hope with the CFL going pro and with the SAKA, WACO, SA Boxing and MMASA sanctioning agreement that this will be achieved, “added Matchmaker Anthony Kettle.

The rest of the fight card for March 26^th, CFL 14 promises to be filled with action packed bouts featuring upcountry and international fighters on the card:

Ceeh Khuboni (Muay Thai and MMA Boys) Loss vs Ashley William Robinson (Tricore) 5 rounds 3 Min 71.8 kg

Frans Jacobs (Radja-martial arts in Hartswater) vs Karl Bergerman (Thai Holics) K1 5 rounds 3 Min under 87kg

Anthony Mailer (Tricore) vs Rafel Wozniak (Thai Holics) 5 rounds 3 Min under 66.8 kg

 David King Mokoena (Young Guns) vs Louis Phillips  (Louis Phillips/PE) 5 rounds 3 Min under 56.400 Kg

Ivan Strydom vs   Bennie Liebenberg (Radja-martial arts in Hartswater) 5 rounds 3 Min Heavy Weight

Eduardo Barros(Team Elite Angola) vs Sylvester Chipfumbu (Panther) 5 rounds 3 Min 60.1 Kg

Joshua Ronald Ignjatovic Under (Panther) vs Matthew Marais (Monkon) 71.8kg 5 rounds 3 Min under 62.2

Ivanildo Leandrinhoh (Team Elite Angola) vs Carlo Schippers (Tricore)  5 rounds 3 Min under 62.2

ABOUT CAPE FIGHT LEAGUE

Formed in 2011 the league aims to showcase the talents of fighters across the country and African continent.  The Cape Town based promotion gives professional boxing, K1 and MMA athletes an opportunity to compete against local and international fighters on a Mother City stage.

By hosting tournaments throughout the year, Cape Fight League hopes to not only afford these fighters much needed fighting experience, but also to grow the sport, while giving Capetonian fight fans a chance to enjoy top class fighting entertainment.

Meet Lyndall Sandenbergh, CFL Female Bantamweight Champion...

As you all know women's MMA is something very close to my heart, and with recent events, I figured I'd get in touch with the newly crowned female Bantamweight Champion and get some insight into the strong woman behind the fighter- Lyndall Sandenbergh.

Sandenbergh receiving her Bantamweight Championship Belt at CFL 13

Sandenbergh (33) fights out of Mec's Martial Arts and Fitness in Fish Hoek and holds an MMA record of 1-0 and a K1 record of 0-1. Sandenbergh, who initially, had no interest in MMA, got involved with three years ago after a friend insisted she joined her at her weekly kickboxing class. Sandenbergh, who frequents comrades, was on a running break and decided to take a leap of faith and hit up a session of kickboxing and as we do, got hooked!


"I loved hitting things, it was fun! But more than that, I really loved the technical way that Mec taught his classes, (& still does). The strategy of striking really intrigued me. Fighting is about so much more than just hitting hard. Technique & strategy mean so much more" says Sandenbergh.

Sandenbergh and the fighting core of Mec's Martial Arts
Left to right: Roelof Schaaf (Lof) , Lyndall Sandenbergh , Mec Crain , Matthew Landsdale (Hamsta)

"As soon as I was introduced to MMA, I knew I had found what I was born to do" Sandenbergh continues, "I love the physical & strategic diversity that MMA offers".

Sandenbergh admits to being competitive by nature. Going to her first Cape Fight League (CFL), 6 to be specific, Sandenbergh knew that in the cage was where she wanted to be, testing herself. Outside of the cage though, Sandenbergh's life revolves around animals. 

Before coaching full time, Sandenbergh was a veterinary nurse for 12 years, and spends her  free time as a horseback trail guide at Sleepy Hollow Horse Riding in Noordhoek, taking tourists down to the beach on horseback rides. 

Sandenbergh as a veterinary nurse

Sandenbergh riding Ulrick

Sandenbergh informs that she has been a horse rider most of her life and competed a lot when she was younger, spending four years on a stud farm 'backing' horses (Getting them used to being ridden). "I found that riding actually prepared me really well for fighting and still find it amazing cross training" says Sandenbergh.

Letting us in on the running bit, Sandenbergh says "I've been running last 5 years, completing 3 Two Oceans Ultra Marathons and 4 Comrades Marathons with shoes on. Last year I started running barefoot- this was mostly because of the love of my life and partner Mec Crain. I got him running, and he got me running barefoot." 

Sandenbergh with partner, Mec Crain at the Redhill 36km

Sandenbergh and Crain's feet and medals after the race

"Other than the physical stuff I enjoy drawing, painting and designing. Nowadays most of my drawing is in the form of tattoo designs. I've designed the two that I have, and have done a few for friends. My own tattoos are both dragons, and I have several more planned, all dragons. Apparently I have a thing for dragons" Sandenbergh says jokingly with a wink.

Sandenbergh's tattoo from her own design

For Sandenbergh, her biggest achievment was winning her MMA fight at CFL 13 and becoming the Woman's Bantamweight Champion, followed by completing her third Comrades Marathon, "Not because of the time I finished it in, but because I had spent 6 months running in a swimming pool as I couldn't run on the road. I had broken my left foot during a 30km race, which I finished and achieved a personal best time at" Sandenbergh explains.

Sandenbergh talks us through her fight, "The fight was quite a surreal experience. I was really focussed and in the moment. Mostly I felt it went well. We had a plan and I executed it the best I could in real time. As they say " All plans change on impact". It wasn't as neat as I would have liked, but that's ok, because I know what I need to work on for next time. The plan was to remove my opponents weapons and take the fight where I wanted it to go. 

As soon as the fight started I made sure I could dictate position. She managed to corner me a few times, but mostly I was quick enough to right myself. I kept setting up entries to the clinch as it makes far more sense to take your opponent to where they are out of their comfort zone. 

I got us into the clinch several times where we tussled as she tried to defend against my takedowns. She landed 2 knees to my body, but she became quite predictable after that and I managed to avoid the rest. I attempted several takedowns in the first round, some she defended and some the ropes seemed to get in the way. 

Sandenbergh in action at CFL 13

At the start of the second round I could tell I had worn her out a bit in the first round. I like fighting at pace, so it worked well for me. Admittedly I was a bit too intent on entering the clinch and let my defence slip a bit more than I would have liked and took a few shots on the temple. Once we where in the clinch I started working for a particular path I wanted to follow, but I felt her shift her weight which made other takedowns available instead and I took her down. In the takedown I took mount and as I locked my position I started delivering shots to her head on the ground. She tried sitting up, but I peeled her off and continued punishing her. The referee warned her 3 times to defend herself before he finally called the fight."

Sandenbergh adds, "I was a bit disappointed I didn't manage to finish it in the first round. Nevermind. There is always next time. Really I am still so new to all this. I have so much room to improve and grow as a martial artist. This was only my first mma fight. I had only had one K1 fight before this".

Sandenbergh just before her victory at CFL 13

When asked what her worst injury has been thus far, Sandenbergh responded saying she has not yet had any injuries from fighting, however, she has broken her left arm, right wrist, coccyx, 4 ribs, 1 finger, 4 toes, both feet, collar bone and shoulder blade in horse riding related accidents.
"I've found fighting to be safer" Sandenbergh jokes.

Sandenbergh riding Ulrik in a dressage competition in 2005

Random fact: "I was a total carnivore for 30 years of my life, never ate any fruit or vegetables. Then Mec made some compelling arguments about the health benefits of going vegan. I tried it & I have never looked back. From a nutritional & ethical point of view. I feel stronger, faster & more vital & my physical performance has improved hugely"

When asked if she would like to take her fighting career to a professional level, Sandenbergh responded saying yes, definitely, "For now I am working as hard as I can to be the best fighter and all round athlete that I can be. We will see what opportunities the future offers".

Sandenbergh in training

"Getting in the ring was easily the steepest learning curve I had ever experienced. It showed me how much I really want this. How much I really want to test myself & constantly be better! 

I have learned that I am capable, both physically & mentally & that I can be in control of both my body & mind.

More than anything fighting has taught me about balance. How to reconcile all parts of myself. That what I do is not who I am. Just because we fight it doesn't mean we are aggressive. Just because we have compassion it does not mean we are weak", says Sandenbergh.


Role Model: "If I had to pick a fighter I look up to I guess I would have to say Holly Holm. Not because of her style of fighting (which I think is total class.), but because of her approach to mma. I wouldn't try to emulate her style of fighting, but her attitude to it certainly"

Holly Holm, Sandenbergh's role model

Sandenbergh talks us through a fight night: "The process of preparing mentally for a fight starts long before fight night, but on the night I guess mostly I keep busy until quite near my fight. It allows me to think about my fight in the back of my mind without obsessing over it. My warm up is slow and I start by just getting the body moving. We have several drills and movements that we use to accomplish that. Closer to fight time I withdraw myself from what is happening around me as much as I can and start focusing inward. I have several mantras that I use to get myself into the right state of mind for my fight. Then I do a more intensive warm up on the mitts before we start." 

Sandenbergh's victory at CFL 13

Sandenbergh concludes with "Fighting is one of the most natural things we can do. It is more real than anything else I have ever experienced & sharing that experience with people whether in training or competition bonds you. Being a fighter means that you not only have a sport. You have a family, Combat sports seem a bit intimidating for some, but it is far from it. All you need to do is find a gym where you feel comfortable. Not all gyms are the same. Not all coaches are the same. Find a culture that suits you & you'll grow & develop as a martial artist and a person. I Love the culture we have created at Mec's Martial Arts & Fitness. Everyone looks out for everyone else, we learn from each other & the support is awesome. It may not be like a normal family, but I think it is what families should be".

BoxingBarbieZA would like to thank Lyndall Sandenbergh for taking time out of her schedule to catch up with us, wishing you everything of the best for her upcoming fights :)

A Place I Call Home

For those who don't already know, here's what happened...

Roughly about 10 years ago, my older brother discovered Dean Scott's MMA gym,  where he was introduced to kickboxing. A few weeks into training, he decided to drag me along, and although I was keen, I had no idea what to expect.

I started training and then I started nagging him to take me to gym. 

The gym wasn't one of the best, or one of the fanciest, but it was where I was most at ease, in my element. 

I became old enough to drive myself around and my brother had other priorities to attend to, so I started going to  gym on my own. 

During a training session at Dean Scott's MMA Gym

Throughout my time at Dean Scott's I met some of the most amazing people who had come and gone, but I was also fortunate enough to have spent a substantial amount of time with the ones who stuck around... Oddly enough, the ones who stuck it out, knew Dean Scott's was doomed, but truth be told, we have shared some amazing times  together, in and out of the gym, as a team. I'd say that was what made it home. 

Watching 'EFC worldwide' with the Team

I had learned so much in the time I was there, but then I started to feel stagnant... I started feeling as if there was too much routine and too much of the same nothing.

Deep down inside my heart, this was a place I called home, a place I could go to and let off steam without questions being asked, a place where I was able to just be me and allowed others to get to know the real me... a place I had put my heart into, a place I had fallen inlove in and a place I had fallen inlove with...

Watching 'Get in the Ring' with the Team

Things deteriorated rapidly in 2014. I managed to maintain  my faith and just hoped for the best... 

But it was like being between 4 walls and fighting the impact of all 4 closing in on you, knowing very well, that it was just a matter of time before it would be too late. 

It was only a matter of time before we'd rock up at the gym one night and the locks would still be on the gates and we'd never get to see the inside of our home again.

Image shot on location at Dean Scott's MMA for an article in Get It Magazine

On January 12th, 2015 Dean Scott's MMA was no longer in existence, and the worst part, was that it was as if it had never existed. Soon after, most of the guys joined other gyms and found their new homes. I kept making excuses about focusing on my studies and my work schedule being too hectic when in reality, i just wasn't ready to start again.

...TO BE CONTINUED...

MADfit goes LIVE!!

What happens when you put two hard working, ambitious individuals together, who get along so well that they're practically brothers... 

Add lots of determination, minus negativity and multiply success- Welcome to MADfit!!

We recently caught up with Cape Town's Boxing Boss,  Matthew Leisching, as well as the Cape Town favourite, Magic Man, Don Madge, to get some inside info on a place they now call home :)

Left: Don Madge
Right: Matthew Leisching

Having always wanted a place of their own "with great energy and an awesome environment that I would personally like to train in" adds Madge, MADfit offers Boxing, Kickboxing/ Muay Thai, No Gi Grappling, BOXfit, as well as personal one on one sessions and fitness coaching. While Leisching (professional boxing coach) focuses on the boxing aspects, from boxing to BOXfit and fitness, Madge (professional mixed martial artist) focuses on the aspects that go into MMA including striking, grappling and conditioning. 

It was only a matter of time before Leisching and Madge spread their wings and did great things, but time definitely played a role in the start of their successful mission. "From wanting a place we could truly call our own, the opportunity had been granted through AG mobile as a sponsor and everything else just fell into place" said Madge and Leisching.

While Leisching says he owes his success to "simple hard work and dedication" because there are "no short cuts in life", Madge adds that they owe it to each other. "I wouldn't be able to do this without Matt, our success is due to the great relationship we have with each other". 

Left: Leisching holding pads for Madge at the EFC open workout

When asked about location, Madge said "We wanted to be right in the mix of Cape Town, so Bree street was an obvious choice and came to us at the right time", Leisching adds that it is also one of the popular streets in Town and it just "had to be".

Both Madge and Leisching have goals beyond what they have already attained, but where MADfit is concerned, going forward, "Growth and spreading our training methods & mindset across the community of martial arts and fitness" is definitelty on their whiteboard to success, says Madge. Leisching adds that he would like to keep all his pro fighters on a winning streak and of course, fill classes with eager students.

Getting to the crux of things, we asked Leisching and Madge what made MADfit different from any other gym. Leisching responded saying "In my opinion, a gym is all about the trainers, and there's no one like myself and don Madge is Cape Town", while Madge went on to say "We really care about everyone in the gym. We focus on the individual not the group and we really want people to better themselves". And me? I say that would most definitely make me want to train at MADfit :)

With every success story, there's the unseen failure and challenges that needed to be overcome, "My biggest challenge was blocking out the people that said I couldn't.. but now it's easy" said Leisching, adding a little wink of satisfaction ;) "Having to let go and move on from people that weren't ready for us to spread our wings without hurting anyone's feelings. It has not been easy but we have done the best we can and will keep our heads down, working hard toward our goals. I've had many ups and downs in my personal career and I'm thankful for it all. It has built my character as a man and I've grown from it" adds Madge

Averaging a 13 hour day, Leisching contently jokes "I live In the gym. I just visit home", with a rocking schedule startign at 6am, Leisching outlines a typical day at MADfit from "6am class, privates until 10am, I train myself, break for lunch, followed by 3 more private sessions and then at 6pm I train the pros. Some days I don't get a break" but we could tell there wasn't a hint of unhappiness in that statement. Madge outlines his typical day as 6am- 7pm, "Either Matt or myself opens up and teaches our first class at 6am, then we train. We have private clients throughout the day in between our own training sessions and then we teach a class in the evening followed by more of our own training. We call it a day at around 7pm and close up shop"

At some point we all need motivation, but doing what these guys do, entails endless motivation. when ask what motivated them, Madge said "Improvement, I never want to stay the same, I'm always looking to learn and improve. I want to be 1% better everyday!", while Leisching adds "the fear of not full filling my dreams and being that old guy saying I could've, should've would've".

When asked about fears, Madge said that he encountered no fear, just optimism, while Leisching added "You get nowhere in life without taking risks"

Concluding the interview with these two great sports, we asked what their most satisfying moment was, Leisching responded saying "opening my gym with the best fighter in Africa and my best friend, Don" while Madge added "Everyday is a satisfying day for me. I walk in and the place is something that myself and my partner have created. It's a beautiful thing", however, with those greatly satisgying moments, come huge sacrifices. Leisching admits he can't remember the last time he's had the time to watch a TV programme (it's okay, there's a lot of nothing on the TV these days, haha), continuing "I've missed birthdays, holidays, etc., but I don't see it at sacrifice cause there's no place else I'd wanna be but in the gym". Madge admits "I've had to let go of a lot of people that didn't support me. People that I thought had my best interest at heart. It's not an easy thing but nothing worth having ever comes easy". 

Lastly we asked if they had any words of advice for anyone writing their own story the way they did- perseverance and persistence. 
Leishing: "My advice would be do the small things right every single day like being on time, not missing sessions, keep you self in shape... Most of all be consistent!"
Madge: "Go for it. The longer you wait, the harder it is. Great things happen in an instant."

BoxingBarbieZA would like to thank both Don Madge and Matthew Leisching for taking the time out of their busy schedules to catch up with us! Wishing MADfit everything of the best and may it be a fun and successful venture :)