EFC: Potts clears first hurdle in heavyweight division return

Ruan Potts from Boksburg made his first step at reclaiming the EFC heavyweight title with a first-round win over Vandam Mbuyi at the organisation’s milestone 50th edition at Sun City on Friday, June 17.

“Heavyweight Ruan Fangzz Potts is back and is there to prove a point,” proclaimed the man, days leading up to the fight.

He did so convincingly as he showed his hunger at being on top of the EFC food chain again, with a submission win 4:06 minutes into the opening round.

Potts fought with patience, initially drawing frustration from the crowd, but once he engaged and made short work of Mbuyi.

Well-aware of Mbuyi’s deficiencies in his ground game, the two-time champion Potts swiftly took the fight to the canvas in hunt of the submission before eventually applying an armbar finish.

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“I’m prepared to work up the rounds,” said Potts.

“I’m wanting to get my belt back, I relinquished my title, I never lost my title, I want to work up the rounds and take it one fight at a time and hopefully towards the end of the year I’ll have my title shot, and my chance to get towards that title.”

Meanwhile, Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ du Plessis was crowned the new EFC welterweight champion following his victory over Martin ‘The Punisher’ van Staden in front of the sold-out crowd.

Van Staden began the fight with an unexpected takedown and proceeded to control the first round.

The second belonged to the 22-year-old du Plessis after a thundering right cross prompted a takedown of his own.

Multiple submission attempts were ultimately foiled by the bell, setting up a thrilling third round.

After a D’arce choke attempt by each fighter, a guillotine choke finally clinched the victory for the young phenom.

EFC returns to Carnival City for EFC 51 on July 15.