It wasn’t easy and he nearly submitted to a triangle choke from his opponent, but the self-proclaimed underdog, Gareth Sawyer (27), did it again when he picked up his second professional fight in as many appearances at EFC Africa 33, on Saturday, August 30.
Speaking to the City Times following his fight, the former Benoni High School pupil said it felt good to pick up the win against the more experienced Jason Culverwell, at the Durban International Convention Centre.
He achieved victory over hometown fighter Culverwell via a TKO, three minutes and 58 seconds into round one.
The middleweight fighter said: “I trained hard for this fight and it all paid off.
“He [Culverwell] clearly worked on his Ju-Jitsu and had me in a triangle choke for over a minute; he was very close to submitting me, something that he doesn’t usually do.”
Sawyer added that he gave everyone a mini heart attack when he was stuck in the triangle, but he managed to pull through and get size control over Culverwell.
“There was a bit of a roll and a scramble and I managed to hook my feet in, hold his back and land 16 unanswered head punches from a rear mount position before the fight was stopped,” he said.
“I am just happy with the win and will take a few weeks off before getting back to training again.”
The Benonian said that his next fight will obviously be a lot harder and that he will need to evolve quickly as a fighter, because his next opponent will more than likely be well prepared for his more favoured ground game.
He is hoping to get another bout before the year ends.
“I have targeted three wins in three fights in my first year and I am almost there,” he added.
Sawyer thanked his sponsors, coaches, family and friends for all the support he received before and after the bout.
