Balla Gaye Rejects Mixed Martial Art in Senegal

Senegal’s former traditional wrestling arena king Balla Gaye II is not receptive to the idea of introducing Mixed Martial Art (MMA) in the West African country.

MMA is slowly being incorporated into Senegalese sport after some of the traditional wrestlers temporary switched to the sport and winning bouts in Switzerland.

Ex-arena crown holder Bombardier’s decision to take up the game up against an established Rock Balbao who is also Senegalese in MMA, paved the way.

Bombardier fetched in huge bucks out of the bout before Siteu and Reug Reug –all being second division traditional wrestlers – also embraced the discipline, securing wins against solid opponents.

There has been the talk of Tapha Tine –an A-list wrestler –joining the trend before negotiations broke down in the final hour.

However, he is still involved in its training in the belief he could get to fight in Europe if he fails to land a fight contract in the popular traditional sport this season.

And questioned about switching too, Balla Gaye said he wouldn’t mind if it fetches in some money but is not welcoming of its introduction in Dakar.

“Of course why not. If it is organized in Europe and I am paid a good fee, I will do it. On the other hand, with fees of four million CFA francs, it is not really worth it. The sport shouldn’t be allowed to gain momentum in Senegal because it will kill our national sport,” he said.