Durban - Professional mixed martial artist Dansheel Moodley will step into the hexagon for the Extreme Fighting Championship’s (EFC) 70th event against Angola’s Josemar Octavio at Sibiya Casino on May 26, in a bout that will potentially decide a contender for the EFC Flyweight championship.
Moodley, 26, took up martial arts at an early age and has developed his technique and broadened his arsenal over the years.
“I started karate when I was 13, so I have been mindful of martial arts for 13 years."
"The main styles of fighting that I enjoy are wrestling and Muaythai."
"Those are my favourite, but with MMA, it’s mixed martial arts, so you have to have a fully rounded game, from jujitsu to wrestling, to Muaythai to boxing,” explained Moodley.
Moodley was born in Durban and grew up in Isipingo with parents Omeela and Tony, and brothers Noveer and Vishalin.
Moodley is a family man and values quality relationships.
This can been seen in the close bonds he has with his training partner, Byron Munro, and coach, Clint Grizzly.
Moodley is engaged and is set to wed fiancée Shivani Reddy next month.
He constantly reiterates the importance of the encouragement he receives from his family.
“My parents, brothers and partner are very supportive of my fighting and my career."
"They are always at all my events to support me. They love my fighting, but they get a bit scared sometimes."
"That’s why they are always at the events, whether it’s in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban.”
Having completed a degree in Sports Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Moodley balances being a pharmaceutical sales representative and being an EFC Worldwide fighter with the same precision as his right cross.
Moodley turned vegetarian about three years ago, making him one of a small number athletes who follow a plant-based diet.
The reason behind his decision was the long-term health benefits that vegetarianism offers.
Spiritually, Moodley is a Hare Krishna devotee and frequently pays tribute to God for walking alongside him on his journey.
Various religious tattoos on his torso and arms further highlight the spiritual path he has chosen.
Moodley has a record of three wins and one loss in the EFC and will be coming off a two-fight winning streak in his main card match against 25-year-old Octavio in EFC 70.
Moodley believes that there is no winning formula to life.
Essentially, hard work, focus and training will lead to the accomplishment of his goals.
“Everybody has a defining moment in their career that is either make or break."
"I feel like this is my fight, and it will determine how I have evolved as a fighter and where my career will go to from here,” Moodley said.
When asked to offer advice to amateur fighters, he said, “The mind is a very crucial component when stepping into the cage to fight. I try to surround myself with people who have positive mindsets so that when I train, I bring a positive mindset to the mat, and I go into the cage with a positive mindset.”
Tickets are on sale at Computicket, and the five main card bouts will be broadcast live in South Africa as well as in Kenya and Rwanda.
Full broadcast details are available on efcworldwide.com.