Danella Eliasov shows superiority in EFC

ILAN HERRMANN

Last week Saturday night at Carnival City on the East Rand, what was expected to be an unnerving and shaky debut for this young Jewish psychiatrist from Northcliff in Johannesburg, turned out to be a masterful performance of skill, strategy and determination.

Eliasov’s opponent in this flyweight division fight was Hungarian Zita Varju. Varju came out from the very start with an aggression and ferocity that seemed to stun Eliasov. But this lasted only a brief while before Eliasov regained her composure and began applying her intelligent, tactical style, which caused the momentum to swing in her favour.

Eliasov took Varju to ground where a lengthy duel for supremacy took place. As the first round started to wind down, Eliasov’s pin, punch and elbow combination gradually intensified and with literally moments to go, the referee called an end to the pounding.

What followed the referee’s signalling the TKO, was Eliasov’s, reaching out to Varju with concern and sisterhood. She was beaming with joy and accepted the victory announcement with a coy smile followed by a hug with her coaching staff.

Eliasov is no stranger to starting off with boxing and Muay Thai recreationally, but then in 2009 she tried out Brazilian jiu jitsu. It was a turning point and she began looking at it in a competitive light and has since graduated to purple belt in the art.

The fighters practise MMA – Mixed Martial Arts – a combination of techniques from various disciplines that they subscribe to and develop to mould their own approach to fighting.

EFC is an internationally governed organisation and its extreme fighting has become a popular sport both live and through media channels.

“I train and compete because I love the sport,” Eliasov said. “I find it physically and mentally challenging.”

Eliasov keeps an exceptionally busy schedule, balancing training and work with a high intensity and drive to succeed.

Before the fight she quipped: “I am hoping to do women’s MMA proud.”

Last weekend’s scintillating performance saw her do just that. It was a powerful opening statement that will have gained her many fans and admirers.

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Unity sports day a resounding success

This last weekend’s spectacular 2^nd annual Unity Sports Event in Johannesburg was a smashing success. Over 120 athletes in soccer and netball competed for prizes, medals and a trophy. The netball was held at the King David Linksfield courts and the soccer at Gemmel Park.

Soul Workout, the event organiser, was thrilled with the outcome of what has become the senior community sports event of the year. This year’s sponsors were Blue Label Telecoms.

The netball was won by team “For the Love of Netball”, who donated half the cash prize of R1 400 to Hatzolah Emergency Services.

The soccer was fiercely contested with skill, gusto and in a highly competitive but good spirit.

In the finals and after a gruelling two hours of soccer, SAUJS ran out 3-1 victors against Maharsha. A delighted Steven Firer, SAUJS captain and goalkeeper, received the trophy and R2 100 cash prize on behalf of his team.

The Unity Sports Event is scheduled in the first Sunday of the Hebrew month of Adar, a month which carries the theme of Jewish unity.