Don Madge wins on UFC debut

Cape Town - South Africa's MMA star Don Madge (8-3-1) knocked out heavily favoured American Te Edwards (6-2) with a second round head kick on the Fight Pass preliminary portion of UFC Moncton, which saw light heavyweight Anthony Smith submit Volkan Oezdemir in the main event at Avenir Centre on Saturday.

The 27-year-old earned a $50 000 performance bonus with his fifth straight finish, as he joined compatriots Garreth McLellan (13-6) and Trevor Prangley (34-11) in registering wins in mixed martial arts’ top fight promotion.

Madge, who trains at Coach Quan University in Johannesburg and co-owns MADfit MMA in Cape Town, took to social media on Sunday to thank his supporters and send a message to the talent-stacked 70kg division.

He said on Instagram: “Now that the dust has settled ...

“I would like to thank every person that has backed me and supported me through my career. The love I received coming into this fight against a highly touted prospect and huge favourite, was so humbling. I am living proof if you chase your dream and work harder than anyone else, you can achieve amazing things.

“To @richiequan: You have changed my life in so many ways; I owe every bit of this success to you. Thank you for all the countless hours you’ve spent investing in me. I’ve said it before, but I will follow you anywhere sir. You’re the best coach, mentor and friend I could ever ask for!

“My family: The years I’ve spent away from you. The times I’ve had to miss birthdays and special moments. I knew one day it was going to pay off! Thank you for always having my back through thick and thin; heaven knows there was a lot of thin… @sethpereira @bernzmadge.

“My team @coachquanuniversity: “You savages have prepared me for this; it’s not my victory alone. It’s ours! I did this for everyone back home who believed in me! Thank you my brothers & sisters.

“Lastly, my homie @mlboxing: From day one; I said we would be here and I would have you by my side! Here we are today. A promise made is a promise kept! I couldn’t ask for a better friend & business partner! Thank you.

“I’m here to fucking stay!!! The lightweight division just got a new KING. I’m coming for everyone’s soul! Snapping necks and cashing cheques!!!!”

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Now that the dust has settled.. I would like to thank every person that has backed me and supported me through my career. The love I received coming into this fight against a highly touted prospect and huge favorite, was so humbling. I am living proof if you chase your dream and work harder than anyone else, you can achieve amazing things. ——————— To @richiequan: You have changed my life in so many ways; I owe every bit of this success to you. Thank you for all the countless hours you’ve spent investing in me. I’ve said it before, but I will follow you anywhere sir. You’re the best coach, mentor and friend I could ever ask for! ——————- My family: The years I’ve spent away from you. The times I’ve had to miss birthdays and special moments. I knew one day it was going to pay off! Thank you for always having my back through thick and thin; heaven knows there was a lot of thin.. @sethpereira @bernzmadge ?? —————— My team @coachquanuniversity: You savages have prepared me for this; it’s not my victory alone. It’s ours! I did this for everyone back home who believed in me! Thank you my brothers & sisters. ——————— Lastly, my homie @mlboxing: From day one; I said we would be here and I would hav you by my side! Here we are today. A promise made is a promise kept! I couldn’t ask for a better friend & business partner! Thank you. —————- I’m here to fucking stay!!! The lightweight division just got a new KING ?? I’m coming for everyone’s soul! Snapping necks and cashing cheques!!!! ????

A post shared by Don Madge (@donmadgemma) on Oct 28, 2018 at 2:38am PDT