The winning chokes
Springs' Rio Grappling was well represented last week when both of the city's fighters at EFC 27 won their fights in the second round of their respective fights.
The two – Cedric “The Dominator” Doyle and Francois “Franaconda|” Groenewald – both had their partners tapping out after well-executed chokes in the Carnival City Big Top Arena.
Manager James Read is over the moon with his fighters’ performances commenting, “I am so happy with this outcome. The guys have put in a lot of hard work and it has paid off handsomely.
“We are now looking for a bantamweight title – starting with Franaconda and are going to push the EFC to give him the chance to earn the title.”
This chance, the team believes, will come in June when Francois hopes to fight the winner of the title fight between Nkazimulo Zulu and Demarte Pena which is set for May.
“We are also looking to see our boys being fought where they should be fought in main card fights and are looking to extend their sponsorship to make all our plans reality,” says James.
“These wins are merely stepping stones. We understand the real hard work starts now to finish what we have started.”
The Addie chatted to Francois and Cedric, both fighting out of Springs-based Rio Grappling under the management of James Read of XKT Pro League after their wins last Thursday.
Francois beat Pierre Botha 4:32 into round two using a triangle choke and forcing Pierre to tap out.
Speaking to the Addie about his win, Francois said: “It’s such a great feeling, especially after all the hard work that went into the training camp.”
He explains that while he endeavours to remain fit all year round, it is only in the four to eight weeks prior to a fight, when he knows who he will be fighting, that he is able to work on a specific game plan aimed at overcoming his opponent.
Pierre is a wrestler so Francois says he did a lot of wrestling training to enable him to match his opponent.
“You have to train for that one fight, to beat that one person but you also have to train for all eventualities because the game can change at a moment’s notice.”
Speaking about the fight, Francois explains: “I got him in a triangle choke. You basically cut off blood supply to the brain, so he either had to tap out or pass out.
“I think I did well in all aspects of the fight, landing some good striking and even taking down an Olympic quality wrestler.
“He was just a lot stronger than I thought, so I had to change my tactics midway in the round.
“I attempted a couple of submissions but he was too strong and managed to power out of these,” he says, describing an arm hold in which he says he had Pierre’s arm straight and he could feel the tendons begin to tear but Pierre was able to power out of the hold.
Francois says he decided to abandon the holds and go for the chokes which led to his victory.
He credits this change of tactic to his all-round training.
“If you have all-round training you are able to match your opponent in what he is supposed to be stronger in. It’s a big blow to take an opponent down on what should be their strength.”
This was Francois’ third consecutive win which should put him in line for a title fight in July when he hopes to take on the winner of the bantamweight title fight between Nkazimulo and Pena.
In the interim, he is looking forward to getting back in the hexagon by May.
“We train so hard so fighting is a way to relieve the stress and start with a clean slate.”
Cedric Doyle is just as pleased with his win, commenting: “I feel absoultely amazing.”
The Dominator defeated Bukaka, 4:08 into round two, via submission using a rear naked choke from a back mount which forced the fighter to tap out, with the ref
declaring Cedric the winner.
“I set it up with some heavy elbows so that he would give me his back for me to get the submission and get him to tap out,” Cedric explains.
He describes last Thursday’s fight as his best to date, saying that everything felt better than it has before.
“This is definitely the best I have fared in EFC. My camp leading up to the fight was very good and I was able to deliver the best performance across all my skills.
“The fight went exactly as I wanted.”
This win puts him on a three-win streak, all with stoppages.
“This means that everything I have been working for over the past four years is being recognised so it’s a massive accomplishment.”
He now hopes to get a title fight, but concedes: “My team mate Francois also has three wins and is ahead of me on the log so I think I have one more big fight before I’ll get the chance at the title.
Cedric hopes to be back in the hexagon on July 5.
