AFTER years of dedication and training, mixed-martial-arts athlete Bradley Swanepoel stands a chance of being crowned the new EFC featherweight champion on November 3.
The EFC 99 main card event takes place in Johannesburg, where the athlete from Combat Coaching in Doonside hopes to bring home the belt and extend his 5-0 winning streak since turning professional.
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His last fight was against Guide Moyo, who was also unbeaten until he tapped him out in the first round. “That’s when EFC acknowledged that he deserves a shot at the title. The current title holder, Igeu Kabesa, is the most successful EFC champion to date, defending his title seven times and winning it back three times. It’s a great challenge for us, and we accept the challenge,” said his father and coach, Morné Swanepoel.
Win or lose, not many can say they have fought for the EFC world title. However, he’s definitely going for the belt. He’s focused, hungry and motivated,” said Swanepoel.
Bradley said he is nervous, yet super excited for the fight. “This is everything I’ve been working towards for the last 20 years. I can’t wait to showcase my skills and perform on the night. It’s a dream come true. There are nerves and butterflies, but I channel that into good energy to pump me up and do my best,” he said.
Dylan Swanepoel and Tapiwa Katikati of Combat Coaching will also be fighting international opponents at the event. Dylan will battle it out against Yebo Ntambwe in the preliminary bout, and Tapiwa against Robert Simbowe in the main card fight. If he wins, he also gets a shot at a title fight.
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Morné said his fighters are on an intense eight-week training camp. “Training camp has been going well, and we have three weeks left. During training camp, we analyse the opponent, discuss our strategy, set up a game plan, and then I structure training methods and tactics. Diet also plays an instrumental role, as fighters need to shed 10kg ahead of the fight,” he said.
With a viewership of about one billion, Morné says he looks forward to putting the town of Amanzimtoti on the world map.
All fights will be broadcast live on SuperSport and efcworldwide.tv
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