East London Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Brendon Groenewald is ready to rumble ahead of his Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Africa heavyweight title fight at Grandwest Casino in Cape Town tonight.
It is the biggest fight of Groenewald’s professional career and first shot at the title. His opponent, Christophe Walravens, is known as “the baddest man on the continent”.
“I am feeling strong, healthy and fit, although with a few nerves,” said Groenewald. “The weigh-in went well and I had a face-off with Christophe, which makes it very real.
“It is going to be a tough fight. I have worked very hard and I am physically and mentally ready.”
Walravens is coming off a six-month ban for a technicality in his last fight, where he was deemed to have too much bandaging on a knee injury. He has been earmarked by the EFC as their number one contender.
Groenewald is currently on a four-fight winning streak and will be looking to make it five in tonight’s bout.
“I believe Brendon’s stand up is on par with Christophe and his ground game is superior,” said boxing manager and trainer Quinton Mauer, who works with Groenewald. “Brendon won’t shoot for the ground straight away but if he gets the chance he will go there.”
Mauer said: “He is a more rounded fighter and has the attitude of a champion and I think he will win.”
Groenewald’s last two fights were convincing victories over powerful opponents, a second round tap out win against Vandam Mbuyi at EFC 28 and then a first round technical knockout against former African heavyweight boxing champion Elvis Moyo at EFC 30.
The fight against Moyo was for the second number one contender place.
Groenewald, whose record stands at 10 wins and three losses, will want to claim the belt as he has big plans for his future.
With the title sitting vacant since former champion Ruan Potts made the move to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the EFC has been waiting for a new champ.
The other major fight of the night sees EFC light-heavyweight champion Gideon Drotschie defend his title against challenger Norman Wessels.
Groenewald claims his toughest fight so far in the EFC was against Drotschie, who he lost to back at EFC 18 when Drotschie got him with a TKO in the third round.
Another massive fight for the night sees Irshaad “White Tiger” Sayed taking on Abdul “Hollywood” Hasan in what should be an explosive bantamweight fight.
Other fights taking place are Kabulu v Queally, De Lange v Mukulu, Dallha v Van Heerden, Didier v Moyo, Michael v Mdyambo, Mailer v Mnikathi, Tresor v Bester, Nyide v Bukaka and Mokgolo v Hepburn.
Groenewald faces biggest fight in Africa showdown
It is the biggest fight of Groenewald’s professional career and first shot at the title. His opponent, Christophe Walravens, is known as “the baddest man on the continent”.
“I am feeling strong, healthy and fit, although with a few nerves,” said Groenewald. “The weigh-in went well and I had a face-off with Christophe, which makes it very real.
“It is going to be a tough fight. I have worked very hard and I am physically and mentally ready.”
Walravens is coming off a six-month ban for a technicality in his last fight, where he was deemed to have too much bandaging on a knee injury. He has been earmarked by the EFC as their number one contender.
Groenewald is currently on a four-fight winning streak and will be looking to make it five in tonight’s bout.
“I believe Brendon’s stand up is on par with Christophe and his ground game is superior,” said boxing manager and trainer Quinton Mauer, who works with Groenewald. “Brendon won’t shoot for the ground straight away but if he gets the chance he will go there.”
Mauer said: “He is a more rounded fighter and has the attitude of a champion and I think he will win.”
Groenewald’s last two fights were convincing victories over powerful opponents, a second round tap out win against Vandam Mbuyi at EFC 28 and then a first round technical knockout against former African heavyweight boxing champion Elvis Moyo at EFC 30.
The fight against Moyo was for the second number one contender place.
Groenewald, whose record stands at 10 wins and three losses, will want to claim the belt as he has big plans for his future.
With the title sitting vacant since former champion Ruan Potts made the move to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the EFC has been waiting for a new champ.
The other major fight of the night sees EFC light-heavyweight champion Gideon Drotschie defend his title against challenger Norman Wessels.
Groenewald claims his toughest fight so far in the EFC was against Drotschie, who he lost to back at EFC 18 when Drotschie got him with a TKO in the third round.
Another massive fight for the night sees Irshaad “White Tiger” Sayed taking on Abdul “Hollywood” Hasan in what should be an explosive bantamweight fight.
Other fights taking place are Kabulu v Queally, De Lange v Mukulu, Dallha v Van Heerden, Didier v Moyo, Michael v Mdyambo, Mailer v Mnikathi, Tresor v Bester, Nyide v Bukaka and Mokgolo v Hepburn.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos