Dubbed the sport’s “future” by UFC president Dana White, 21-year-old Cameron Saaiman (6-0-0) is on a mission to prove himself on his debut at UFC 282 in Vegas on Feb. December 10.
South Africa, a protégé of Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis and coach Morné Visser, will face Steven Koslow (6-0-0) in a bantamweight bout after securing his UFC spot with a Contender Series victory over Josh Wang-Kim, by KO/TKO at 2:52 of Round 3.
This prompted White to say: “You’re impressive. At 21, the way you keep your cool there… absolutely a professional man. Your new nickname is ‘Future’.”
Saaiman was the youngest active male UFC fighter until Raul Rosas Jr. 17 years old (now 18) won the contract a month later. Rosas Jr. will also make his full UFC debut on December 10, against Jay Perrin.
The South African told ESPN: “It’s an absolute compliment and it’s an honor to be called that by the boss himself.
“If anything, I think it gave me a lot of motivation, because ever since I started playing pro, I turned pro at 18 and there was a lot of criticism for it. that and I have to prove myself every time.
“All I’m going to do on December 10 is prove boss Dana right. I’ll prove him right and I’ll show everyone that I really am the future.”
Explaining his love of mixed martial arts, Pretoria-born Saaiman said: “My father actually worked for Carnival City, which hosts EFC events — local events in South Africa.
“He was the project manager there and I actually happened to be there with him at his place of work and that’s basically why I love the sport. I watched one a few games and then I went to my father and said to him: ‘I want to do this. This is really great.’
“As a 12-year-old, you can get tired of a lot of sports. I skated for about a week and a half before stopping, so I really got into a lot of sports, but this subject is really deadlocked.”
Led by Du Plessis has taken Saaiman’s love for the sport to the next level and the pair will fight together at UFC 282 – the first time South Africa will be represented by more than one fighter. athlete at a UFC event. Du Plessis will face Darren Till in the middleweight division.
Although they are very close now, Saaiman revealed that it took time for ‘Stillknocks’, 28, to really enthusiastically guide him.
Saaiman explains: “I have a great sponsor — Q4 Fuel is an absolutely amazing sponsor that has helped me since I was a kid, just helping with the basic equipment and the basics. I don’t have a solid financial background, so having a sponsor help with paying for the equipment and the competition fees is an absolute blessing.
“When their business was looking to sponsor a larger team, they really gave me the opportunity to move the gym. As part of the business deal, they would sponsor the gym. , but Dricus had to train me.
“I think at some stages, especially at first, he didn’t really want to do it, but it was a huge asset to the team. We quickly developed a relationship between the coach and the coach. students — and then [a relationship as] training partners and friends.”
For both South African MMA and UFC bantamweight, the event in Vegas can represent a baton-passing ritual.
“It’s an absolute honor [to fight with du Plessis]. I think it’s the first time the South Africans have not just one person on the main card, but a team of two that will go to the UFC to represent not only South Africa, but Team CIT. I’m very lucky,” Saaiman said.
“We’ve had a great year. In terms of our team’s dynamics, it’s been amazing. I’m really looking forward to showing my skills and showing what we have left. I think we did well in the Contenders Series, but I think we can do even better now on our UFC debut.”
Regarding Koslow, a UFC newcomer four years his senior, Saaiman said with respect, but certainly not fear or respect.
“He’s a great opponent,” said Saaiman of his opponent, who is from Jacksonville, Florida.
“Obviously, he had a good match on the ground, but the result won’t change. I’ll raise my hand in tonight’s game.”
