Along with teammate Dricus Du Plessis, Saaiman is helping lay a strong foundation for South African mixed martial artists.
The two shared a special moment in December as they both picked up milestone victories – a debut win for Saaiman and a Top 10-establishing victory for Du Plessis via submission against Darren Till. When they made the long journey back home, the reception made it clear their years of hard work and sacrifice were paying off.
“We have the best fans in the world,” Saaiman said. “Coming back to South Africa was just so much fun. We are really paving the way for future South Africans to get into to the UFC or at least just get international exposure. I think it’s motivating for the athletes back home as well.”
As far as the defining traits of a South African fighter, Saaiman cites a high work rate and a particular “ferociousness” that comes out despite generally congenial manner he and Dricus possess.
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That awareness of responsibility only adds to the mature aura Saaiman projects early in his UFC journey, and he hopes March 4 is representative of his country, as well as the kind of contender he intends on developing into as he makes his way through his career.
“South Africans are a proud sporting nation,” he said. “We are tough, tough human beings. We are not behind on international standards. We were ready to roll with the big guys, and I think we got to show that in a few appearances now, as well, that we are ready.”
