Don Madge makes Welterweight debut in PFL 3 Chicago Tournament

One of the biggest names in South African MMA is Don Madge who was an early representative in the UFC for South Africa going undefeated at 2-0 with the promotion before receiving his release and signing with the PFL in 2021.

Winning a showcase bout against Nathan Williams at 155lbs, Don ws then placed i the PFL regular season for 2022 where he drew former champion Raush Manifio in the first round and was winning rounds 1-2 of a 3 round fight before a well placed kick by Manifo led to the Finnish. Madge subsequently was forced out of the tournament with injury and spent 2023 in recovery.

Moving up to a more natural welterweight division Madge will face former Bellator MMA powerhouse Brennan Ward in the opening round of the PFL tournament. Ward a 17-7 veteran is a strong wrestler with heavy hands while Don Madge is a BJJ Black Belt, former Muay Thai World Champion, and a seasoned MMA fighter. The winner of this bout should be considered a favorite for the 1 million dollar tournament championship prize.

Fans of Cris Cyborg will recall the champion bringing him to the USA for her training camp against Holly Holm in 2017 before preparing for Julia Budd in South Africa as a part of camp with head coach Richie Quan. Cyborg will be fighting next weekend as the main event of Green Bay Fight Night in Wisconsin, fans who want to see MMA’s only Grand Slam Champion compete can get their tickets here.