WELKOM – Welkom martial artist Brandon “The Dragon” Kelly is preparing for the biggest fight of his career when he challenges for the South African title in the Full Contact High Kick 65 kg to 69 kg division on Saturday 29 August.

Representing the Ring Contact Fighting Arts (RCFA) Bhubezi Fight Club, Kelly’s title opportunity comes after a standout season and a strong showing at the recent RCFA Awards gala in Potchefstroom.

At the awards, Kelly received two national nominations in the Senior Male Millennium and Senior Male Full Contact Close Combat categories.

He will now compete on the main card of the All Out War tournament, hosted by Shihan Etienne van Eeden of the RCFA Potch Ice-Team in Potchefstroom.

Kelly will face off against Corne Weeler from Sasolburg for the national title. It promises to be a high-stakes with both fighters aiming to claim national honours.

Kelly will not be the only RCFA Bhubezi fighter in action. Teammate Keagan Smith will make his full-contact debut on the undercard, taking on Iron Tiger’s Reily Mare in a 72 kg to 75 kg Low Kick bout.

The upcoming tournament follows an impressive awards campaign for the RCFA Bhubezi Fight Club, which received eight national nominations across the senior and junior divisions.

Head instructor and RCFA provincial president Sensei Joe Gladstone Ralejoe said Kelly had worked relentlessly to earn his place on the main card.

According to Ralejoe, Kelly is determined to make the most of his opportunity and bring the national title back to Welkom.

With a national title on the line and two Free State fighters facing each other, the 29 August clash promises to be a significant occasion for martial arts in the province.

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