Stephan   "DQ"   De La Rey

Fighters Biography

When & why did you start martial arts training?

I started with a karate class when I was 3 years old and continued with that until I was 12. In this time I represented my country on 5 occasions.

How did you transition to MMA?

I was a bit of a problem child with anger issues. One of my friends started MMA with team CIT when we were 16. His father, one of my parent’s good friends and a decorated Karate athlete, suggested that I start training with his son. My parents were hesitant at firs but over some time I convinced them to allow me to join the club as I was extremely adamant to participate in the sport. It was only when I was 20 years old that I decided to start taking the sport seriously and start competing.

What are your achievements?

I have represented my country in 2016 at the IMMAF All African Open and lost in the final against an athlete from Sweden and won a Silver medal.

How did you get your fight name?

The name actually chose me. 3 of my first 4 Victories came by way of Disqualification. My teammates started calling me DQ de la Rey. At first I hated it as I felt it took away the credit of those victories. In all 3 fights I was dominating the fight and my opponent resorted to an illegal move. Out of desperation I guess. After some time I got used to my team mates referring to me as DQ and now I am proud of my name as it is part of my journey and molded me into the fighter and person I am today.