CKB brings in Mike Mathetha aka “Blood Diamond” to shake up the UFC’s welterweight division


CKB brings in Mike Mathetha aka “Blood Diamond” to shake up the UFC’s welterweight division

Blood Diamond

CKB fighter, Mike Mathetha aka Blood Diamond is all set to compete at UFC 271 alongside teammate Israel Adesanya & Carlos Ulberg. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mike Mathetha, born in Zimbabwe, trained in New Zealand, is making his UFC debut in the welterweight division at UFC 271 against Orion Cosce (7-1-0) on February 12. Mathetha vastly known as ‘Blood Diamond’ in the regional kickboxing scene has been tiering up the competition and has jaw-dropping moments in his fights.  

Blood Diamond’s opponent Orion Cosce had won seven straight before losing his undefeated record in his previous outing against Philip Rowe. Cosce lost by TKO (punches) in the second round. This was his promotional debut after getting his contract awarded in Dana White Contender Series where he beat Matt Dixon by third-round ground and pound from the crucifix position. Cosce will look to turn the script and spoil the promotional debut of the CKB fighter.

Blood Diamond has had only three fights in MMA but has won multiple tournaments in Kickboxing. Training at CKB, the gym with two UFC champions in it, and having an exciting reputation in the regional kickboxing scene helped him get the UFC contract. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Mathetha has won the King of the ring tournament twice, the same tournament Dan Hooker has also won. Mathetha has fought all over the world and had more than 100 kickboxing fights before moving to MMA. Even though he only has three fights in the MMA, Mathetha said he has been training for MMA for a long time.

Coach Eugene Bareman presents UFC contract to Blood Diamond

Blood Diamond
Carlos Ulberg, Blood Diamond, Israel Adesanya

Coach Eugene Bareman surprises Blood Diamond with the UFC contract at CKB gym. Blood Diamond has had a similar path to his fellow teammate Israel Adesanya and Coach Bareman used this to gather all the members of the gym and state the journey of Mathetha with Adesanya by his side. Mathetha thought it was a gathering in honor of Adesanya but quickly got overwhelmed with emotions when the coach says welcome to UFC and presents him with his UFC contract. The whole team appreciates the efforts put in by Mathetha and cheers for the teammate.

CKB fighters have always shown great comradery. This little gym from Auckland, New Zealand, is getting bigger and stronger and is taking over the UFC. Let’s see what Blood Diamond brings to the already stacked UFC welterweight division.

Also Read“Title shot or we riot”- Israel Adesanya thrusts Kai Kara-France into title contention after his UFC 269 performance

ADVERTISEMENT