Don Madge, who made his professional MMA debut in 2012, made his name in his native South Africa, becoming a two-time Lightweight Champion on the regional scene. Madge, who has won 10 of 15, with five knockouts and four submissions, made his PFL debut during a Showcase bout in the 2021 PFL World Championships, submitting Nathan Williams. Tonight marks Madge’s first fight since April 2022, a fight where he was finished by Raush Manfio.

 

A former Bellator middleweight title challenger, tonight marks Brennan Ward’s fifth fight since returning from a five-year layoff in 2022. A former Bellator middleweight tournament winner and former NCAA Division-III All-American, Ward has only ever gone the distance twice in his 23 outings, which includes 16 of his 17 wins coming through a stoppage (12 knockouts and five submissions). Ward most recently fought at Bellator 298, getting finished by Logan Storley.

 

Which of these two will get their 2024 welterweight season off to a good start?

 

 

Round 1

 

Ward tries to pressure Madge and walk him down early. Ward looks to land inside. Knee attempt by Madge. Ward with a throw to score a big takedown. Ward gets up and the two throw down! Madge lands a big knee that seems to hurt Ward! The fight goes to the ground. Madge gets a hook in as Ward stands, and Madge locks in a rear-naked choke! Ward taps!

 

 

It was like magic for “The Magic Man” as he earns six points!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULTS

 

Don Madge defeats Brennan Ward by 1st Round Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in a welterweight regular season bout