14-Year-Old Kaytlin Visser Punches Her Ticket to MMA World Championship

Photo Credit: Charmaine Visser

The Boksburg teenager will compete in Abu Dhabi later this year after securing back-to-back South African youth MMA titles.

Johannesburg, South Africa (13 May 2026) – At just 14 years old, Kaytlin Visser is building a name for herself in South African MMA, and now the young fighter from Boksburg has her sights set on the world stage.

Kaytlin recently secured another national title after winning gold at the 2026 South African Youth Championships in the Youth B division, earning her the opportunity to represent South Africa at the upcoming MMA World Championships in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 23 August.

It marks another major milestone for the teenager, who also claimed the South African title in 2025 after being moved up into an older age division last year.

Away from the competition, it is also helping grow the sport at the grassroots level. The young athlete currently assists as a coach at House of Tinkerbell, where she works with Grade 1 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students, passing on the skills she continues to develop herself.

Now, with an international opportunity waiting, the biggest challenge is funding the trip.

Like many young athletes in developing sports, the costs of travel, accommodation, competition fees and training all fall on families and supporters. Kaytlin’s family is currently hoping to secure sponsorship support to help get her to Abu Dhabi and allow her to compete against some of the best young MMA athletes in the world.

The opportunity would not only give Kaytlin valuable international experience but also continue showcasing the growing talent emerging from South Africa’s combat sports scene.

Supporters and businesses who get involved would also have the chance to partner with one of the country’s rising youth athletes through branding opportunities, social media exposure and representation at events.

For Kaytlin, the focus is to improve, keep competing and make the most of every opportunity stepping into the cage brings.