Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis co-owns and trains at CIT Performance Institute in Pretoria, South Africa. As a professional MMA fighter and UFC middleweight titleholder, Du Plessis has established himself as a prominent athlete within the sport. His training at CIT Performance Institute not only underscores his commitment to personal excellence but also highlights the gym’s reputation as one of the leading training facilities in Africa.
Team CIT MMA
Team CIT MMA is the professional mixed martial arts team based at CIT Performance Institute, led by head coach Morne Visser. The team boasts a formidable lineup of athletes, including contracted UFC fighters Driscus Du Plessis and Cameron Saaiman. Mark Hulme, who recently completed his first stint on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter, and Nkazimulo Zulu, also a veteran of the Ultimate Fighter, further bolster the team’s roster.
Currently, Team CIT MMA holds an impressive collection of titles, with Driscus Du Plessis reigning as the UFC middleweight champion, Mark Hulme as the EFC welterweight champion, and Nkazimulo Zulu holding dual titles in the EFC as bantamweight and featherweight champion. JC Lamprecht rounds out the team’s achievements as the EFC light heavyweight champion, highlighting Team CIT MMA’s dominance in the competitive world of mixed martial arts.
What makes Team CIT MMA different?
Aside from being home to the best MMA athletes on the African continent, Team CIT MMA distinguishes itself by offering a unique approach to supporting its fighters. Unlike other professional mixed martial arts teams, Team CIT MMA pays its athletes to train, thanks to generous sponsorships from partners like USN, Elegant Fuel, SG Coal, and CIT Moto. Instead of charging fighters for training, this support ensures they earn a living wage while pursuing their careers.
In addition to financial backing, Team CIT MMA fosters a culture of giving back to the MMA community. Athletes are encouraged to contribute by coaching our commercial members at the gym, sharing their expertise and experience to nurture the next generation of fighters and enthusiasts. This dual commitment to athlete support and community engagement underscores Team CIT MMA’s dedication to advancing both the sport and its participants.
How can I become a part of Team CIT MMA?
To become part of Team CIT MMA, follow in the footsteps of Versus MMA Welterweight Champion Ryan De Jager or Versus MMA Bantamweight Champion Thapelo Seabi, both of whom began their journeys as members of CIT Performance Institute’s amateur fighters and now find themesleves training among the best of the best with Team CIT MMA. Start by joining the level one classes at CIT Performance Institute, where you’ll build foundational skills and knowledge in mixed martial arts. Progress to level 2 as you develop your capabilities and refine your techniques.
For those aspiring to turn professional, CIT Performance Institute offers a pathway to join Team CIT MMA, Africa’s most elite professional MMA team. Through dedicated training, guidance from experienced coaches, and a commitment to continual improvement, you can strive towards competing at the highest levels of mixed martial arts. Whether you’re starting from scratch or honing existing skills, CIT Performance Institute provides the platform to pursue your MMA ambitions.
How do I start my mixed martial arts journey?
Starting your mixed martial arts journey begins with checking out our class schedule to find a class that suits your goals and availability. At CIT Performance Institute, we offer a range of classes designed to accommodate beginners through advanced practitioners, ensuring there’s a place for everyone to start their martial arts journey.
Once you’ve identified the class that fits your schedule and interests, simply join us at CIT Performance Institute for your free trial to begin your training. Our experienced coaches and supportive community are here to guide you every step of the way, whether you’re aiming to build fundamental skills, improve your fitness, or pursue a career in MMA.
