EFC stars tip Potts to bounce back
Amid his latest result in his six-match Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) crusade, a loss against Anthony ‘Freight Train’ Hamilton in his second fight, Boksburg MMA star Ruan Potts is still in search of a first win in the UFC, based in the US.
Despite Potts’ indifferent start to life in the UFC, some local MMA stars believe the former EFC heavyweight champion will bounce back.
“I think he’s a superb fighter, he’s very good,” says EFC middleweight fighter JP Kruger.
“He’s got a very good ground game. I think he’s proven that he’s got a gas tank (stamina) for a heavyweight and he’s made it to the big leagues; what an achievement. Every fighter when you fight, you want to get into the UFC.
“If you’ve made it to UFC, then you’ve made it,” adds Kruger.
“He’s proven to us that he’s done it, like I’ve said, it’s the big leagues, it’s the main dudes and unfortunately on that level of performance, there’s no room for mistakes. The first person to make a mistake, whether it’s Ruan Potts or his opponent, will pay for it.
“It’s been an unlucky draw thus far for him. He had two fights and two losses, but I have faith in Ruan. I do think he’s going to show the world what he as a South African is made. I back him.”
He adds that you have to put everything on the line at UFC – all your time and all your effort. “You eat, sleep and train UFC,” says Kruger.
EFC featherweight and Boksburg fighter, Barend Nienaber, echoed Kruger’s sentiments.
“I think fighting at that level, the pressure gets to you. I really think Ruan is a talented fighter and deserves one more shot.
“A first round win will put him on track again, he had a lot happening towards his last fight,” adds Nienaber.
Nienaber returns to the hexagon at EFC 35 next month, while Kruger will feature at EFC 36 in December. – @SabeloBoksburg
