Groenewald set for sail into the eye of a Cape of Storms
FIREWORKS are expected as Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Africa heavyweight champion Brendon Groenewald will defend his EFC Africa heavyweight title for the first time against former champion Andrew “One Gear” van Zyl, in what is expected to be a monstrous clash at Grandwest in Cape Town tonight.
East London-born and bred mixed martial artist, Groenewald, will be stepping into the ring for the first time since his sensational first round technical knockout (TKO) victory over Christophe Walravens at EFC Africa 35 that saw him claim the vacant title.
“I am excited, nervous, all those things wrapped into one,” said Groenewald.
“I have just had my best training camp to date, I am feeling fit, strong and healthy and ready for the fight.”
Groenewald, known predominantly for his impressive ground game, proved he could stand toe-to-toe with the best in the business when he hit Walravens with a monster right hand 2:57 minutes into the fight, before following up with a couple of blows before the ref stepped in to stop the fight. In Van Zyl, Groenewald is arguably up against his biggest challenge yet, as the former champ has only lost twice in his 15-fight career, both in title fights and both against the same man.
“He is a very strong competitor, he’s a massive unit and I am looking forward to the challenge,” said Groenewald.
“He is a worthy opponent, he deserves the opportunity and he has been champ before so he knows what it’s like to be a champion and I am sure he is hungry to be the champ again, so everything to fight for and everything to lose.”
Former EFC heavyweight champ Ruan Potts dealt Van Zyl his first loss at EFC 11, defending his title, however Van Zyl bounced back to beat Potts for the title at EFC 18.
After defending his title once, Van Zyl then lost it as Potts returned to claim the belt at EFC 26, with Potts eventually vacating the belt to compete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), however after a disappointing showing has resigned with EFC.
Since the loss, Van Zyl has won his last two EFC fights against Elvis Moyo and Vandam Mbuyi and will be champing at the bit for another shot at the title.
Groenewald, with a professional EFC record of six wins and two losses, did not start his EFC career that well with two wins and two losses in his first four fights.
However, he has picked up some great form, winning his last four in a row, with his last two coming with first round TKOs, to establish himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the EFC.
Groenewald will be aiming to take this momentum into the bout against Van Zyl and will be looking to retain his title.
“I haven’t changed a lot in my game plan for the fight, I have just looked a bit at my weaknesses and tried to improve those and I have added a few little tricks on the striking side of things.”
EFC 39 will be broadcast live on Supersport 6 from 8pm, with Groenewald versus Van Zyl as the main fight of the evening.
Eleven other fights will be had on the night, with former light-heavyweight champ Gideon Drotschie’s match against Tumelo Maphuta, as the pick of the rest.