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KNUXX SA: Tell us about yourself?
TUMISANG: I come from a small village in Hammaskraal but was born in Thembisa. During 1993-1994 we moved to Soweto.
There was a lot of political violence at the time, and it almost got me killed when I was in a cross fire.
My mother decided it was enough and we moved to the Eastrand.
KNUXX SA: What brought you into MMA?
TUMISANG:I wanted to join the army as soon as I left school and I applied till I was 22, part of the reason why I wanted to
join the army is that I did not have the funds to study. One day I saw an add in the newspaper for the Rio grappling team and
I heard an EFC radio advert. I could always fight well growing up and then I decided to give it a shot and my coaches where
impressed with my performance and I carried on going from there.
KNUXX SA: What do you think of the current MMA scene?
TUMISANG: It could be better in the sense of reffing, match making and even from the coaching side. I think there should be clinics set up
to better prepare the fighters for what to expect in their careers, for example… I had to pay a R 150.00 for my first fight.
I thought to myself why am I paying to compete, why do I take punches and have to pay for them for other peoples enjoyment? I think
a lot fighters experience this an leave the sport because other national sports offer a lot more! Especially when it comes to the
transition from amateur to professional… look how they do it in the States!
KNUXX SA: What do you think it takes to be a good MMA fighter?
TUMISANG: Experience… because with experience you get personality, dedication and dedication is the key to this sport! Specific
training for your sport is very important and compatibility with your team is extremely important, above all have fun!!
KNUXX SA: Take us through your first Future Fight Stars bout with Matt Buirski?
TUMISANG: When the fight was made I was happy because my team believed in me and I had only been doing MMA for six to eight months and he was a “name” the
whole preparation for the fight was on the assumption that I will get beat up! I never prepared to be on the attack! They told me he
hits hard… he does this he does that, so I prepared for an attack. The first round he was feeling me out, so I threw a few kicks
and got him onto the ground. When the bell rang for the end of the first round I thought to myself… that was a bit to easy. In the
second round he tried to kick and I caught it and swept him, I though to my self “This is not supposed to be happening!” I kind of just
waited for something to happen… hence I got caught up in submission attempts. In the third round I was tired and through a kick but
did not pivot back and I twisted my knee! After that it threw me off and I stepped back and he just came at me! I took it to the
ground and one thing I have to say about Matt is that his mind is very MMA orientated. I have have big respect for that!! He nearly
got me with the Kimora lock but I could feel that he was tired and he could not finish it. The bell went and he was announced the
winner. But I left that cage feeling like a winner… he is a big name in our circles.
KNUXX SA: Take us through Fight Stars 2?
TUMISANG: I wasn’t happy when the fight was announced as myself and Barend Nienaber are sponsored by the same clothing brand… Resurrect MMA.
It was kind of like fighting a friend, to this day I tell you if you look at his skill set to mine I do not think that he is superior
to me! My intention was to come in and win but not hurt him. At the weigh in he did not make weight and knowing him I felt sorry for
him as he was already lean and couldn’t loose more weight but this is fighting. In the first round I shot and took him down, I took
mount and he bucked me. I tried to bridge and roll but he turned with me and his first shot landed into the back of my head. My body
went cold and I was awoken by the other shots…bang…bang…bang.. I looked at the ref as to say are you seeing where he is hitting me,
and the ref stops the fight!! I felt that was wrong because for 5/10 seconds I was rattled but when I got up he stopped it! But I do
believe I deserved to loose that fight because he got top position and I let him take my back. I LEFT THERE FEELING LIKE SHIT!
But I’m thankful for the loss as it has motivated me and how I conduct my business. From now on there will be no more fun and games…
IT’s BUSINESS AND THIS IS THE HURT GAME AND WHEN THE CAGE CLOSES IT’S WAR!!!
KNUXX SA: What is next for Madiba?
TUMISANG: I have given up everything for what I do! Now I want to get paid for it. My family does not understand why I get hurt for no
reason… especially my mom and dad… my mom always says, “everybody has medical aid but your medical aid is in the fridge…ICE!!” Haha!
I just wanna go pro! And to be quite honest and with all due respect I’m not too impressed with the pros in my division.
People want to see two people clash and see who the best fighter is and I give them that and I deserve to be paid for that.
I would like to thank KNUXX SA, Rio Grappling SA, Francois Groenewald, Resurrect MMA, 360 Carbon Performance… Jurgen Putter… and everybody
that has contributed directly or indirectly especially my haters, because they “REALLY KEEP ME GOING!” I’m very thankful for everybody
that watches me fight!
