Martin   "The Diamond"   De Beer

Fighters Biography

Background disciplines?

Kickboxing

Fight preparation?

Twice a week I cycle to work and back home, that’s about 18km through the bush. In the afternoon when I get home, I go for my 4.5km run and then start with my MMA training! The other 2 mornings I do strength training. Every second Saturday I go to Durban to train my jitz with Dave Verster. The other Saturdays I work till 12 and then after that go for a long run and do pad work with my ballie or have one top training session with the guys that train with me and help me!

When & why did you start martial arts training?

Started kickboxing when I was 13, my brother started and told me to join. It will be lekka fitness for rugby. Ever since I started I got hooked!

How did you transition to MMA?

I competed in kickboxing at the casinos when I was young! The main card fights were always MMA fights. Those days it was called ‘No Rules Fighting’. Kickboxing started dying down and MMA took over.

What ranks & titles have you held?

SA Muay Thai champ 2005/06, SA Kickboxing champ, K1 2006, 2007, 2008/ AFL, MFC, Rise of the Warrior featherweight champion.

Favoured technique?

I like the spinning back kick if you land it in the right spot it will could end the fight.

What other interesting information can you tell us about yourself?

I am a financial advisor. I smaak longboarding, fishing on the sea, spending time with my girl and going on missions with my friends, camping at the beaches down the coast.

What does it mean for you to fight in EFC?

I’ve always wanted to become a professional fighter. Fighting in EFC means a lot to me. It is the ultimate sport and you need to show heart.