second – Local Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter and Dominator’s Den MMA club owner Cedric Doyle lost to Ahmed Faress (31) from Egypt at the UAE Warriors 46 Africa 4 Championship in Abu Dhabi, USA on 24 February Emirate.
Doyle, also known as ‘The Dominator’, said competing internationally has been an amazing experience and he is grateful for the opportunity.
“I’m very proud of myself,” Doyle said.
“In this game, you have to know how to lose in order to be humble when you win.”
Faress beat Doyle in the second round with an arm triangle. After Faris hit Doyle in the first round, he had seen a double.
“Usually, after about 30 seconds, your vision comes back, but mine didn’t, so I couldn’t hit him. Whenever I tried to hit him, I missed it.”
Doyle also tore his ACL in the second round and is recuperating at home before returning to work.
Of the 66 fighters competing in the tournament, Doyle is the only one working full-time, meaning the others have more time to focus on training.
“I feel like I’m a pioneer of Secunda and South African fighters going overseas and fighting internationally.”
Doyle dreams of opening a full-time training center for other MMA fighters.
Organizers of the Emirates Warriors 35 Africa 4 tournament have contacted Doyle to play again this month, but Doyle said it was too soon.
He wants more time to recover and prepare for his next match, which could be in the United Arab Emirates in May.
“It was a great tournament and the organizers did a great job. We stayed in a great hotel, ate very well and it was a great experience for me.”
Doyle said none of the South African fighters won the match. He believes the wetness and travel before the game is something the South African still needs to adapt and prepare for.
“I’m honored to still be playing a sport at this age. The next time I play in Abu Dhabi, it will be even better.”
He thanked his supporters for their support and interest in his career as a professional MMA fighter.
“Thank you for every message and post you have given me and thank you Lord for keeping me safe in this battle.
“Thanks to my wife Ilse and my two daughters, who I left alone for a week. I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Doyle also thanks his physical therapist, Lumé Brits, and his other sponsors, including Secunda Readymix.
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Cedric ‘The Dominator’ Doyle had an impressive performance at last month’s UAE Warrior 46 Africa 4 Championship.
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