Tumelo Manyamala: South Africa’s Next TUF Contender
South Africa continues to make waves in the global MMA scene, and Tumelo Manyamala is the latest fighter set to carry the nation’s flag on “The Ultimate Fighter” (TUF) Season 33. The Cape Town-based flyweight follows in the footsteps of past South African TUF competitors, Nkazimulo “King Shaka” Zulu, Roedie Roets, and Mark Hulme, but aims to go even further by securing a UFC contract.
A Rising Star in African MMA
Tumelo Manyamala has built a reputation as one of the top prospects in the region. With an impressive 6-1 professional record and a perfect 5-0 run in the EFC, he has demonstrated his finishing ability, having won all of his EFC fights before the final bell. His dominant performances in the flyweight division earned him a title shot against Terence Balelo in 2023 for the EFC Flyweight Championship. Unfortunately, an injury forced him to withdraw, and he has not competed since.
Despite the setback, his talent was undeniable, leading to his selection for TUF 33, a massive opportunity for him to showcase his skills on an international stage.
Following in South African Footsteps
Tumelo Manyamala joins the exclusive list of South Africans who have competed on TUF. Nkazimulo “King Shaka” Zulu was the first to break barriers for African fighters, while Roedie Roets and Mark Hulme followed suit, testing themselves against elite competition. However, none of them made it to the TUF finale, something Tumelo Manyamala is determined to change.
His aggressive style, well-rounded skill set, and hunger for success position him as a serious contender on the show. If he performs well, he could become the first South African to win TUF, potentially earning a UFC contract and taking his career to the next level.
Tumelo Manyamala Representing South Africa on the Global Stage
For Tumelo Manyamala, TUF is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to put South African MMA in the spotlight. With a growing MMA scene back home, his success could inspire a new generation of fighters and attract more international recognition to the country’s talent pool. He has already captured the attention of the local fight community, and now he has the opportunity to introduce himself to a global audience.
His journey has been one of resilience, skill, and perseverance, and as he steps into the TUF house, all eyes will be on him to see if he can achieve what no South African has before—winning The Ultimate Fighter and earning his place in the UFC.
