Tumelo Manyamala
South Africa
26-years-old
6-1
100% finish rate (5 KO/TKOs, 1 Submission)
Combined opponents’ record: 12-7
Pros
-Uses range well
-Good ground and pound
-Clean straight punches
-Good kicks
Cons
-TDD needs work
-Hands drop at times
-Grappling defense needs work
Manyamala has been fighting for less than three years, and he’s being pushed up the ranks quickly. However, he has yet to secure a win over a notable opponent. His biggest fight came against former RTU fighter Mark Climico, where he lost a close split decision but showed impressive moments.
In this lineup, he’s clearly outmatched. That said, I do appreciate his style—he’s a lanky striker who knows how to use his reach effectively, keeping opponents at the end of his punches and kicks. While his technique can get a bit wide, he does mix in a sharp jab and a clean one-two at times.
His biggest weaknesses lie in his takedown defense and overall ground game, particularly on the defensive side. He frequently makes mistakes that leave his neck exposed or give up his back. Additionally, his lack of physical strength allows opponents to bully him in the clinch and on the mat.
On the feet, he can be effective, but his striking defense is concerning. He drops his hands and leaves his chin exposed, especially when pressured. At this stage, Manyamala is still too raw, inexperienced, and simply not polished enough to compete at this level.
“As my coach said, this is the show that kind of made the UFC. So it’s an absolute privilege to go through the TUF house, and to do it on the 20th anniversary, it’s amazing,” Manyamala stated on his Ultimate Fighter 33 casting, which comes 20 years on from the show’s 2005 debut. “To be part of South African MMA in the UFC is crazy. Dricus [Du Plessis] being the first South African champ, I hope to be the second, and go down in South African MMA history books.”
