Cape Town is set to carve its name into the global martial arts scene with the official launch of the Knox Legacy Series, announced yesterday by UFC Middleweight contender Dricus du Plessis and Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis. Supported by EFC President Cairo Howarth and the founders of Knox Hydrate, Ethan Hughes and Du Plessis himself, the series promises more than just a night of elite-level combat. It represents a long-term vision to reshape the future of South African sport.
The Knox Legacy Series is being introduced as more than just a tournament. It is designed as a strategic platform to elevate local fighters, nurture the combat sports ecosystem, and position Cape Town as a rising hub for martial arts excellence. The first event is scheduled for February 26, 2026, at the GrandWest Grand Arena. It marks the beginning of what is anticipated to become an annual tradition rooted in the city’s deep passion for the sport.
Several of South Africa’s most exciting talents are already confirmed for the 2026 fight card. Faeze “Troublemaker” Jacobs, a three-time EFC Bantamweight Champion, will step into the spotlight alongside reigning Middleweight Champion Luke Michael. Also featured are rising fighters Terrence Balo, Tumelo “Mellow” Manyamla, and Adriaan Sanchez, who is expected to face an international opponent that will be announced soon. More names and details will follow in the weeks ahead.
Mayor Hill-Lewis expressed that this initiative reflects a long-term vision for Cape Town’s sports and entertainment landscape. He emphasized the city’s readiness to host an event of this magnitude and highlighted its potential to grow into a future venue for international title bouts. Ethan Hughes echoed this sentiment, stating that the Knox Legacy Series has been quietly in development for some time, and its arrival in Cape Town feels timely and natural.
For Dricus du Plessis, the project goes far beyond fight night. He described the series as a way to give back to a sport that has defined his life. He said the goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem for athletes and promote martial arts not just as a competitive discipline, but as a lifestyle. According to Du Plessis, Cape Town has the right energy, infrastructure, and community to support this vision and grow it into something lasting.
As anticipation builds, more announcements are expected soon regarding international matchups, broadcast plans, and community partnerships. What’s becoming increasingly clear is that Cape Town is not just playing host to the Knox Legacy Series. It is positioning itself as a leader in the evolution of martial arts in South Africa and potentially across the globe.
The Knox Legacy Series 2026 signals the start of a powerful new chapter, one where Cape Town transitions from supporter to central figure in the world of mixed martial arts.
