Young talent lit up Rising Stars fight night

Among Cape Town’s most promising young fighters, Jiyaad Diedricks stands out as a rising star in the local combat sports scene.  

Trained by Fidaah Edries at Fighterz Inc., Diedricks continues to showcase an impressive mix of sharp kickboxing skills and high-level fight intellect every time he steps into the ring.  

Despite his smaller frame, Diedricks is known for his devastating low kicks, which are a weapon that has served him well throughout his young career.

This past weekend, he returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over fellow up-and-comer Nic Laubscher during the second edition of the Rising Stars promotion, held at Oakland High Secondary School in Kenwyn.  

The two young warriors delivered an action-packed three-round bout that could have gone either way.  

In the end, it was Diedricks who edged ahead, earning a split-decision win after a grueling fight that kept the crowd on their feet.

With the win, Diedricks didn’t just take home the victory, but he also claimed a championship belt, which he took back to Strandfontein.  

The bout was the main event of a stacked 19-fight kickboxing card, which was preceded by a series of boxing matches.

In another title bout on the same card, Ayesha Majiet secured a solid win over Saidi Walbrugh, ensuring both belts on offer remained with Fighterz Inc by the end of the evening.

The Rising Stars is quickly building a reputation as a key platform for young, hungry fighters looking to build their names and gain experience on the road to long, successful careers in martial arts.  

Other standout performances included Frank Ngoka, who lit up the hall in an explosive clash with Chadwin October. Ngoka walked away with the win in one of the most electrifying fights of the night, with the packed venue erupting in loud cheers and applause during the fight.