Fightforce 12

Now I know that MMA or Mixed Martial Arts is not everyones cup of tea but last night was the South Africa vs Northern Ireland clash at the Durban Exhibition Centre and the patriotism flowed as freely as the beer. I continually invite the Gov who has had some Jiu Jitsu training but refuses to come along and can't understand how I enjoy watching two half naked, sweaty men rolling around on the floor whilst hugging each other. Come to think of it, when you look at it that way, it does seem a bit odd.

Nevertheless, I went with my cousin, Needles, named so for the lack of visible strength in his lower legs and a great time was had by all. Twelve fights and only one of them making it out of the first round! A highlight was watching Needle's friend, Dain Neveling, fighting in the lead up fight to the two main fights. Dain won with some great striking against Ryan de Vasconsellos and finished it off with some strong ground n' pound.

Hector Britz vs Boyd Allen

The international fights saw a surprise loss for Martin "The Punisher" Van Staden to Ali Maclean by way of North South choke. Van Staden dominated in the standup, getting the better of Maclean in the early exchanges and eventually knocking the Irishman down with a left hook to the chin.Van Staden immediately pounced on him and unloaded some heavy shots which Maclean absorbed. Maclean made his way back to his feet and got caught in a standing guillotine. Van Staden pulled guard in an attempt to choke out his opponent but Maclean showed some excellent Jiu Jitsu skills as he reversed the position and got the tap out with a choke of his own.

The second international fight was in Middleweight division and saw Donavin "Bam Bamz" Hawkey secure the win over Lee McKibbin. The Irishmen charged him in the first few seconds of the fight aiming for the takedown but got caught by Hawkey in a standing guillotine. Hawkey, with his super strength, choked his opponent who tapped before the two of them even reached the ground.

So 1 - 1 it was by the end of the night and congratulations to all the winners. The full results can be found, in a day or two, on http://www.fightforce.co.za/ . For those of you who are a little lost and think I am speaking Greek, check out some Jiu Jitsu chokes and techniques on Youtube. Start with http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pnG0Gxd5kk for an explanation on the North South Choke. Stay tuned for the next fightforce competition.