The UFC has added yet another member of the renowned City Kickboxing team to the promotion’s roster.
Joining UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski, as well as contenders Dan Hooker, Brad Riddell, Kai Kara-France, Shane Young and Carlos Ulberg, will be welterweight Mike Mathetha, who was signed to a four-fight deal.
Mathetha (3-0) was surprised with the news in the City Kickboxing gym, where head coach Eugene Bareman pretended to be honoring Adesanya, before revealing the exciting news to “Blood Diamond.”
“@blood_diam0nd joins the UFC. We surprised @blood_diam0nd by bringing up @stylebender and talking about bloods journey but in reference to Israel, as too not giveaway the surprise we had for Bloods, they both share very similar journeys of sacrifice dedication and commitment. A true gentlemen of the NZ combat sports scene, whos body of work includes over 100 fights all over the world against some of the best on the planet. Hes developed his own unique style and now its time to show the UFC welterweight division just exactly what he brings!”
Like Adesanya, Mathetha also has an extensive kickboxing background. A two-time King in the Ring kickboxing tournament winner, Zimbabwe-born Mathetha is unbeaten in his MMA career, with his three wins coming via knockout, submission ,and most recently a unanimous decision over Dimps Gillies in February 2020.
Kara-France shared a highlight-reel finish from Mathetha, expressing excitement towards his teammate’s signing.
“The latest CKB member signed to the @ufc Blood Diamond!
“
The latest CKB member signed to the @ufc Blood Diamond! 💎🔥 pic.twitter.com/A2q2nG5IzC
— Kai Kara France (@kaikarafrance) July 24, 2021
UFC featherweight champ Volkanovski also chimed in.
“You all in for a treat!!
“
You all in for a treat!! 🙌🏼 https://t.co/vrzhAW2lGc
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) July 24, 2021
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