Barebones MC 10 is set to showcase growing talent in amateur MMA as Frank Ngoka intends to defend his title against Eden Faklier.
Frank Ngoka, formerly under the banner of Faeez Jacobs, a two-time EFC champion, will defend his BMC Welterweight title against Eden Faklier from House of Combat on Saturday. This event is one of South Africa's premier amateur promotions and returns over the weekend to demonstrate the continued development of local combat sports.
The tenth edition of Barebones MC will take place at the official venue in Milnerton, the Sunningdale Sports Complex, and is scheduled for Saturday. The event promises a high level of spectacle and technical skill, as the amateur scene shows steady growth and is becoming a serious market in South Africa's sporting landscape, while also serving as an important pipeline for professional development.
The main card will feature a fight that has garnered significant attention in recent months. This followed Eden Faklier of House of Combat demanding a bout with the outstanding amateur and reigning BMC Welterweight champion, Frank Ngoka, who trains at TroubleMakers Gym under Faeez Jacobs. After a successful debut against Franco Gerike earlier this year, Faklier, who has traveled the world honing his skills in various martial arts, actively expressed his desire to face the highly talented student Ngoka, who has already shown signs of a young man with great potential.
Due to the buzz surrounding their rivalry on social media, Faklier managed to attract the interest of thousands of people with his public challenges, which ultimately prompted the promotion to give him the opportunity to test his skills against Ngoka.
Ngoka remains undefeated in the cage since his debut, accumulating four wins and four stoppages only in the BMC cage since starting his career in 2025. His impressive streak also includes being crowned Youth A Welterweight Champion.
In the co-main event, current BMC Bantamweight champion and Faklier's teammate from House of Combat, Umar Edwards, will return to defend his belt against dangerous Namibian Baghdad Mundjua. This is expected to be another intense contest between two well-balanced competitors with high tactical intelligence.
Former star fighter I F did not hesitate, returning to competition after a break to focus on completing his studies. Since his return, Edwards has demonstrated his hunger and how much he missed competing. In March, he stepped into the BMC cage against two-time I F Africa champion and Namibian Damian Muller, securing a quick victory via rear-naked choke in the first round, immediately drawing attention to the division.
Two months later, Edwards fought the then-BMC Bantamweight champion and MADFit fighter Kiran Jeffery. The HOC star took five rounds against Jeffery before winning by unanimous decision to capture the BMC Bantamweight belt. He will now defend his title for the first time against his teammate Muller, Mundjua, who secured two victories over Amanu Abdallah and Jonas Dondo earlier this year.
Hanna Mohamed, who recently represented South Africa at the I F Youth World Championships 2026 in Abu Dhabi, where she won a bronze medal, is returning to the BMC cage with Go For Broke. This time, Hanna will compete against Irene Van Graan from MECS in a Youth B Ladies bout, which will officially open the BMC 10 card. Although this is a return to a familiar environment for Mohamed, it represents a new chapter and another opportunity for both young athletes to demonstrate their growth, courage, and skill.
The first fight is scheduled for 14:30, and tickets are available through Quicket and at the box office.
In other news, South Africa confirmed the adoption of its Pro-Am division after review by the appointed Pro-Am Committee. This division creates a controlled developmental stage between standard amateur and professional MMA. The Pro-Am division is a limited, advanced classification of competitions for experienced amateurs approaching the professional level but requiring further preparation before transitioning fully to the professional ranks. It does not replace standard amateur MMA nor is it fully professional. Standard amateur competitions within the applicable I F South Africa structure remain the primary path for development in South Africa.
The transition from amateur to professional MMA involves several changes, including longer rounds, different tempo and energy demands, weigh-ins the day before the fight, competitions without shin guards, different equipment, and a broader professional rule set. The Pro-Am division allows for the gradual introduction of certain professional conditions under the Federation's supervision. According to I F South Africa, the goals of this division include improving athletes' physical, technical, and tactical readiness for professional competition; providing athletes and coaches with the opportunity to adapt to the pace of five-minute rounds and professional training; maintaining important amateur safety measures while introducing specific professional conditions; reducing pressure on athletes who need to become professionals before they are ready; and strengthening oversight, pairing standards, and the quality of athletes entering the professional ranks in South Africa. Unless specifically changed according to Pro-Am rules, the applicable I F South Africa/MMA rules, medical requirements, and judging standards remain in effect. For more information about BMC 10 and the latest implementation of Pro-Am in South Africa, please visit their official websites and social media pages.
