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Cape Town - Don Madge is determined to become the country’s first UFC champion.
While South Africans have struggled to make an impact in the UFC, Madge (8-3-1) enjoyed a dream debut in the promotion as he knocked out Te Edwards (6-3) with a second-round head kick in Moncton, Canada on October 27, 2018.
READ: Coach Quan credits Madge and Dricus
The ex-EFC lightweight champ earned a $50 000 performance bonus for his efforts, as he garnered global attention and joined Garreth McLellan (13-6) and Trevor Prangley (34-11) in registering rare wins in the octagon for fighters from SA.
READ: Madge broadcasts SA pride to Helwani
Fellow Saffas Ruan Potts (11-7), Neil Grove (12-8) and Mark Robinson (1-0) have also fought in the UFC, although the latter’s booking with Bobby Hoffman (36-10) was chalked off as a no contest on February 23, 2001.
According to Carte Blanche, Madge’s next assignment in MMA’s ‘ultimate proving ground’ is in April with a yet to be disclosed opponent.
Madge, who trains at Coach Quan University in Johannesburg, reiterated his title ambitions in an interview on the long-running TV show.
“It’s a full commitment you know,” Madge told veteran journalist Derek Watts.
“A lot of guys, they have one foot in the door, one foot out and those are the guys that will never make it.”
He added: “Everything has to come second.”
Asked if he doesn’t envy his friends that may be on the party scene, he said: “I used to when I was younger, but now I think I can look back when I’m retired, and say I was the champion of the world … that will be worth it.”
Meanwhile, Madge revealed former UFC women’s featherweight queen Cris ‘Cyborg’ Justino (20-2) was integral to him getting signed by the Las Vegas-based organisation in April 2018.
He has helped the Brazilian, who is conducting a seminar at Apex MMA Gym in Bryanston, Jo’burg on March 16, as a sparring partner for past training camps.
“She was adamant that I had to be in the UFC, and she went as far as saying I will not sign another contract until you sign that guy to the UFC,” Madge explained.
RT [WATCH] #MMA has become the fastest growing sport in the world thanks to the rise of the #UFC. South African fighters have struggled to crack it in the UFC but Don Madge wants to take his shot at glory. Here’s @DerekWatts https://t.co/Zzwej4jXCZ
— Carte Blanche (@carteblanchetv) February 20, 2019
