MMA Legend Don Madge switches to boxing for Fight Island headline bout

Definitely the biggest name when it comes to fighting in Cape Town, at least for the past 10 to 15 years, is undoubtedly MMA legend Don Madge.  

"The Magic Man" recently retired from competitive fighting, but as is the norm for most fighters, once a fighter, always a fighter.  

Madge is back in action, switching from the cage to the boxing ring as he headlines the next Fight Island event in Cabo Beach. He takes on Fulufhelo Ramaliba on October 25.

He downplays the idea of being “back to fighting,” calling it a one-off show. But even if it’s an exhibition bout, it still holds significant weight for local fans.  

It’s been ages since people in Cape Town saw him live in action. For most of his career, he was tied down by UFC and PFL contracts, spending the better part of his prime years fighting overseas.

Now, lacing up the boxing gloves gives him a new kind of challenge, one that his longtime partner and coach, Matt Leisching, has always wanted to see him take on. 

Leisching, who has been Madge’s boxing coach throughout his MMA run, has often spoken about Don’s natural boxing talent.

Retiring from MMA now allows them to explore that skill without the constant threat of takedowns, kicks or grappling.  

Now it's pure hands, just boxing. According to Madge, his coach had always wanted him to try a proper boxing match.  

But more than that, Madge says his biggest motivation is to give Cape Town fans a live-action show, something they've been starved of for a long time.  

He last competed on home soil in 2017 in the EFC before signing with the US-based UFC.

“When Matt started talking about Fight Island, it was something he convinced me to do, just one fight,” said Madge.  

“Years ago, he was already trying to get me to box, so I thought, why not now that I’ve retired from MMA? 

“I did Muay Thai, Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, MMA… now I’m completing the whole martial arts circle,” he said. 

“That competitive thing in me is still there, and this just makes sense for me, for where I’m at in life. I haven’t fought in Cape Town since 2017, so it’s gonna be awesome.”

As much as Madge is back for this exhibition fight, he’s still happy being formally retired from pro MMA and focusing on being a family man.  

At least this fight doesn’t require the same level of sacrifice; he won’t have to leave his family for long stretches like before.  

Being part of this card is also a big motivator for the younger fighters on the undercard, many of whom now get the opportunity to share the spotlight with a legend of the sport. 

“I thought it would be amazing to have him on the card,” said Leisching.  

“It’s great for boxing, too, and it gives the other guys a lot of exposure. Don is the biggest name in fighting in the Western Cape, no doubt. 

“It’s amazing for the brand and for Don, getting back to competing. And who knows? If the boxing bug bites, I don’t see why he wouldn’t have another fight.”

Leisching also added that the Fight Island concept was born out of a desire to bring big-time boxing back to Cape Town.  

“It’s a great platform for fighters. We’ve got many brands involved, which helps fighters financially,” said Leisching.  

“Fight Island acts as a feeder to Golden Gloves and all the best fighters here get the opportunity to move up. So, the opportunities don’t just end here.”