Demarte Pena's, alias "The Wolf", MMA journey |The Touchline Y254

Yes, and welcome back to the touchline show right here on Y254. The first segment of the interviews. I'm here with uh the math Penn who is an MMA martial mixed martial art. Of course, he's a fighter from Angola. He's here to speak about his journey so far and you know what has been for him, what has been working for him and will be part of the ANZA Pro night three uh fighters that will be taking center stage. uh later today at city market. So he's here to speak about his journey. I wish I mean the the conversation will be interesting. So keep it right here on 154 the touchline. Penna, welcome to the show. >> Thank you so much for having me. I really appreciate it. >> Yes, your first time in Kenya. I mean how is everything so far? >> Uh I've been to a few African countries. Um I think the most telling thing about being in Kenya is the the how welcoming the people are. You know what a what a lovely place to be in. The people are so friendly, >> are very welcoming. I think that's the thing that I take the most is that you you Kenyans are wonderful people and I really love being here. >> Yes. For the very first time my viewers are watching you. I mean who is Penna? >> Basically uh I've dedicated my whole life through uh for to martial arts. I've been training since very very young. I was born in Angola and then I relocated to South Africa when I was about 7 8 years old >> and then my martial arts journey just continued through that you know I've been training I did a lot of everything I did a bit of karate a bit of judo a little bit of kung fu as well and then uh into primary school and high school I I I found um mixed martial arts which was introduced to me to a f from a friend of mine >> and then through that I just kept training and training you know it wasn't always my my goal to become a professional fighter Because back then in the African scene there were no like organizations that you could compete as a professional until only later on in 20 2009 where EFC which is the biggest promotion in Africa the biggest mixed martial arts promotion Africa started. >> Yeah. >> But for me martial art has always been a lifestyle. >> It's not necessarily that I wanted to become a fighter. I was at school. I was studying. You know as I think most African parents want their children to go to school become doctors and lawyers and the sorts. So we all studying you know to become that. But then martial arts literally was has been part of my life. >> Yeah. >> I competed as an amateur for the longest time. I did kickboxing. I did uh grappling uh and eventually also mixed martial arts as an amateur. But it wasn't a case where I wanted to become a professional. >> Only until later on that the opportunity came. And then one day actually the coach came and say you know what there's a fight that's going to happen a few days time and they're going to pay you. Yeah. I was like, "Wait, you're going to pay me for something I'm doing for free already?" Yeah. >> So, I think after that, you know, I I decided to be fully focused on my mixed martial arts career. I had paused a little bit my university studies, which I only completed later and then just full on mix uh full-on training, full on um you know, in the pursuit of greatness so to speak. And then I was uh very dedicated and then I became multiple champion in the EFC. >> Yeah. >> From a featherweight division, multiple champion bantamweight division. Then I fought in Europe as well. I became a champion there in Aries fighting championship and now I currently competes in the UAE which is Abu Dhabi and Dubai. >> Of course, we'll talk about that as the interview progresses. I mean, you're also known as the wolf. >> The wolf. Yes. >> Tell me about uh this particular, you know, uh this particular name, how did it, you know, uh come to existence? >> I was told when I was younger when there was a full moon, I I couldn't sleep at night. That's was [laughter] >> right. No, I'm just kidding. I think I think that the the my coach is the one who gave me that that name. He said I have this uh you know intensity and bravery of a wolf and that leadership quality of a wolf. So I think that's where the the name comes from. >> All right. [clears throat] You've talked about your journey as a kid and of course one thing I understand you started uh with karate and then of course you transitioned to MMA. What inspired such a change? I think mo most of us in in our age group we grew up watching you know the Bruce Le all those Chinese movies you know a bit of Rambo and and then um John Claude Vanam I think in our generation in Angola I'm not sure about Kenya where we watched a lot of martial arts movies you know we are very we um a lot of us are very fitness orientated martial art orientated as Angolans >> so it was something that as a youngster you need to know some kind of martial art yes >> and then did a little bit of karate only, a little bit of judo, but most of the kids back then knew how to fight. >> Yeah. >> So, I think I think martial arts and self-defense and also based on our history, you know, because of the war in Angola, most of us were inclined to some kind of combat uh base. So, I think that's that's pretty much it. I think martial arts has been around me since I was I was a youngster. >> I mean, I you talked about it some few minutes ago, but take us back to the first time you made your professional debut as far as MMA is concerned. Funny enough, I know back then I was only training basically in amateur level, you know, but it was a Tuesday uh Tuesday evening. My coach came and said, you know what, >> there's opportunity to fight as a professional now on Thursday. Yeah. >> So, it's basically two days out. >> Yeah. >> I looked at him, I was like I was like scared. [laughter] So, I was like, two days? I'm like, yeah, the fight fell off. Um there's a chance now for you to fight and they're going to pay you. That's that I was like I looked at him. I was like, are you going to pay me? I think at that stage, yeah, I was just training, you know, like every day like I'm passionate about the sport. I've always trained hard and I'm like, "Okay, you know what? Let's do this." So, the following day is the Wayne. Obviously, the way is the day before the fight. Uh, very nervous. I got in there very professional organization, which is the UFC. I did the weigh-ins. I was like so like I was not clued up in terms of how how the the professional space was. >> And funny enough, the that event that I competed on, the first time I watched EFC was the only the previous event. I went there with my friend and my coach and we were like you know what I think in two two years time >> I could possibly compete at the UFC. I thought at that stage I was only an amateur. I wasn't training properly >> and then luck comes where I'm competing the following event. >> So I was like so nervous I got in there weighed in and then it was fight night and naturally that day when I I heard about the fight I got home then I told my family like I'm fighting as a professional. They were like so shocked. He's like this guy is so crazy. how can you now step in there you know in that that kind of scene where you know you lose the shin pads it's not an amateur scene the gloves a lot smaller but for me I was very fe fearless you know in a sense I was always someone who very driven looking to achieve something and um and that stage 2011 when I became uh when I became professional a lot of the back black athletes back then didn't do grappling uh they were not that good on the ground >> and most of them were more kickboxers and boxers uh and uh for me luckily In high school, I already knew jiu-jitsu since 2006. I already knew a little bit of jiu-jitsu. I was already wrestling. So, I was one of the few black guys back then in the UFC that already knew ground. >> Yeah. >> Then I fought another black guy was more of like a kickboxer, boxer. He knew a little bit of ground, but not to the level that I was at. >> So, I managed to get in there, you know, lucky lucky enough, if if luck exists, I got the win. Um, and then I finished the fight in 51 seconds. And then from there, I just got another win, another win. And then uh I got a actually I got a a title fight in my third fight actually. So I think it was bit rushed. >> They were trying to feed me into the lines so to speak. I thought that stage they wanted me to just you know be that kid that's doing well enough. And then the the other guy that I fought his name is Leo Gloss was a very famous um boxer mixed martial artist um an African Africans guy who had a massive following. So I think I was just being thrown to the to the wolves to get to the wolves you know no pun intended. >> Yeah. So I think uh there and then I won that fight as well. Then they're like you know this kid is actually quite good from then I just kept winning and winning. I moved gyms went to a better gym and then just win after win after win. >> I mean after you made your debut in 2011 you went ahead and you won two EFC titles in two different weight divisions and then of course I want to understand what has been the key moments in your career so far. I mean after you making your debut in 2011 I >> I think one of the ma major factors that I've I've I've faced in my career basically is before I became professional. So I've always relied on my talent. I think I've been a hard worker >> for the most part. Yes. >> But I feel like when when I competed as an amateur I actually did a kickboxing fight. That was one of the most defining factors in my career where I used to just beat up guys do just enough in training not train hard enough. So, one day I went to a tournament and I found another guy, a skinny guy. I think maybe [laughter] like maybe your built. >> So, >> I wanted to tell you not to use me as an example. >> Okay. Sorry. Sorry. That's a >> not not not like you, but [laughter] similar. >> So, like unassuming like your face, you have a very welcoming face, you know, not intimidating at all. So, I went to this tournament, you know, I saw this other kid. I was like I was watching the guys and then he I was supposed to fight this this guy. >> Mhm. >> So, I thought to myself, you know what? Ah, okay. Okay, we're just going to go there and do what we can. Oh my goodness, this guy was one of the best fighters I've ever faced. >> Yeah, >> first round was back and forth. You know, we're throwing, we're hitting each other as hard as possible. >> End of the first round, my heart felt like was coming out of my chest. >> I was extremely tired, very, very tired. But he looked like he just woke up fresh, fresh, fresh, fresh. Comes the second round, I got such a beating from him that after the fight, I was like, "Yo, I couldn't I could barely walk. My legs were so sore. >> My I was coughing the whole night. >> So after that fight, you know, after that, you know, very humiliating beating, I told myself, you know what? I would never step in the cage or a fight without being uh unprepared. >> All right. >> So I think that was a massive defining factor for me is that I've always looked to be the hardest work in the room. >> Yeah. >> Uh everywhere I go, everywhere I train, I want to be the hardest work. And then it's I think that's where most of my successes come from is just through >> sheer hard work and obviously that willingness and and and that drive to win. >> Yeah. Let's talk about the seminar you hosted yesterday at Nairobi Jiuts Academy. I mean uh tell us about uh uh this particular the experience actually the experience you got from that uh seminar >> as as far as Kenya is concerned. Are you seeing us taking the right steps? >> Absolutely. I think I think obviously in terms of jiu-jitsu basically jiu-jitsu itself very high level in terms of the striking very high level uh I think what we need now more so in Africa is is is >> is defining what works in mixed martial arts >> and then what works only in let's say jiu-jitsu or only in boxing or in kickboxing >> the skill individually is very high already >> I feel like some some moves that you can do in jiu-jitsu that you can get away with won't necessarily work in MMA because of the striking So I think the the the the the fine details you know are a little bit still missing but the overall quality of the sport is very very high. So I think out of my my my my knowledge my limited knowledge obviously I was able to share and then also learn from the guys. I'm I'm very excited about Anza MMA. They giving, you know, African uh talent the opportunity to show showcase their skill, which is wonderful. You know, I'm really pushing also my side, promoting them as much as I can. And I feel like we need more answers around Africa, more EFC's around Africa and the sport will just keep growing. I mean, we're very talented as Africans. We're naturally strong. >> We just need the infrastructures which are being put now together like Anza is. >> All right. you'll be attending the ANZA Pro night later today at Village Market. I mean, what are you looking up to as far as this uh event is concerned? >> I mean, I'm I'm I'm super excited. Like I was telling the the organizers like the way they're treating the fighters is similar to when you go to Europe, similar to when you go overseas in the Americas. [clears throat] >> The quality is definitely world world class. Uh that's what I was actually telling the other guy said, "Guys, when you go overseas, they're going to treat you just as well like this." So don't think this is like because it's Anza 3 now the quality is low it's high quality international level production everything is at the highest level and the guys having been exposed to such a level already they won't get like so star struck when they get to the to the to the higher level so I feel like you know what it's a massive opportunity for the guys massive exposure that they're getting growing in this in this kind of level already. So I mean I I I expect the best. I've seen the best. >> So I just uh hope and and and and and pray that they keep on going. You know, we need the we need the massive companies to support guys like Anza. We need the government to support. You know, like most of other African countries, the government sometimes tends to be reluctant in in in supporting sports like this. But MMA is growing so much. We need that backing for sure. >> All right. Having you know participated and competed in MMA over a decade. >> Yes. As an experienced MMA fighter, where do you think the opportunities lie for African MMA fighters? Even those who be participating in the Anza Pro night 3? >> I I think MMA as such is a very um interesting sport because it's not like soccer where you are part of a team or you get a salary, >> right? Mixed martial arts, you you are basically you're part of a team but you your own team. Mhm. >> You don't get a monthly salary. You only get paid when you compete. >> And most of the times guys are competing two, >> three times max a year. It's not it's not sustainable to to to have like a um a proper living. So I always I always recommend guys to have a do something on the side, not necessarily like a a job as such, but always be flexible to do other things. >> Yeah. >> Be it obviously personal training, having your own businesses and the sort. So my my biggest advice to any fighter or athlete that is paid only when they compete is to create a brand around yourself where you are relatable to to brands and sponsors so that they can assist your journey. Otherwise talent alone is not enough. You you need money. >> Yeah. >> All right. Let me read this particular question because all right you're now the head coach uh for MMA a fight camp gym in South Africa. I mean, how has your experience as a champion influenced the way you train your fighters >> and the way you mentor them? >> You know, um, when I look at my guys, I I always tell them, you say, "Guys, the training and the preparation and everything around it. >> I got it." >> Yes, >> I've done it. I know what it takes. Not just locally, but internationally. >> The thing that I need from all my fighters to realize that the fighting is not should not be who you are or all that you are. >> Yes. So after you finish your training, make sure that people know you. You're out there, you know, start something, do another business, be more active on on social media. So, so that one day, let's say you training and you break your leg that you're out for like 6 months to a year. >> Yeah. >> You're not depressed because that's all you do. So, I think the biggest thing, not just I think in MMA, most sports is that every athlete needs to be flexible in doing other things. Mhm. >> Like I say, you know, the training I know how to train guys to compete and to become champions. All those things I know and I'm sharing the knowledge consistently. >> But individually as as as athletes, you have to be able to do other things outside of your sport so that one day when you finish >> you can do other things. >> Yes. >> Basically. >> And then of course after everything you've achieved uh as a fighter and a coach, what are your goals for the next chapter? And how do you hope to contribute to the future of MMA in Africa? >> I think my biggest contribution right now is definitely the coaching side. Um coming to to to Kenya, been in seminars. I've been invited as well now to go to Zambia and other countries. I've been in Angola naturally. Um you know, I think just sharing the knowledge, doing as best as I can. I manage as well guys. The guys that are competing, I'm not their coach, I'm their manager. >> Yes. So I think more so giving the right knowledge to to to the guys and then just building an infrastructure where we're able to get the highest level of training even though we're still in Africa and I and that the talent is already there. We just need the backing from from those who have you know the funds. So I always tell the guys you know what let's just keep working. Let's keep an environment where we can grow as African fighters here in Africa. We don't we don't ne necessarily have to go overseas. Once that happens, you know, we can have more world champions. >> Yes. And then of course, uh you've been to Europe and of course you're in Africa. What are they doing differently that we Africa we are not? I mean that's what you can see kind of the difference in terms of competition. You know the fighters getting opportunities in Europe but here in Africa it's quite different. I I I think first and foremost when we Africans go overseas I'm speaking out in a broader uh sense not just fighting >> let's say soccer most people understand soccer >> when we go compete there we have this >> god complex towards the other athletes meaning >> let's say if Kenyan um footballers go play against Europeans right >> yes >> they've been used to watching them they idolize them let's say you play against Messi and those other guys that are massive stars >> when we see them we think they're gods we think they're not human like you. >> Yeah. >> So once we get in there, we are only happy because we are competing but not going there to win. >> Yeah. >> I think primarily as African athletes, we need to re we need to remove that idea of just because I'm there is enough. >> We need to remove that completely. Go out there actually to win. >> And we need to remove that god complex that we feel like they're superior than us. They're not. >> Yeah. >> Naturally, as black people, we are more we are more talented, more gifted. That's a fact. >> But I think psychologically they believe more than we do. >> Mhm. I think once we break that barrier, the top of our athletes can go there, realize that we're actually better than them >> and we will succeed. >> All right. Uh, finally, 30 seconds. Your advice to young MMA fighters. >> Yes. >> The ones who may be watching you. Yes. And then of course, >> you'll also give us your parting shot. >> I think at the end of the day, we have to believe in ourselves. We have to keep working hard and then understand that through sport and through life difficulty is part of the journey. >> Yeah. >> So don't think that difficulty is a is a is a is an indication to stop. Difficulty is an indication to say that you know what this is not for me. >> Yeah. >> Embrace the difficult moments. Overcome the difficult moments. It won't take one year. It can take 5 to 10 years time. Yes. >> But you have to be consistent in your pursuit for greatness. You are capable >> uh and you can do it for sure. And I think parting ways obviously come watch Anza >> fight nights we'll be there we'll be supporting the fighters and then whoever can support more >> we know we're always welcome. >> All right uh thank you for gracing the touchline and we wish you all the best and as far as you know the MMA is concerned as far as Africa is also concerned we wish this sport could you know get the the respect it deserves. Yeah. All right. After this short break will be yet another interview. I'm said to speak to the amateur wrestlers. They are in studio to speak about some of the opportunities and you know the things to expect as far as that competition is concerned this year. They are training for an event. You want to know what event it will be? Keep it the touch line right here on Y254.