Buys: Rouch is my enemy

When JP Buys left school at 17 to pursue a career in wrestling, little did he know how much his life would change.

The next logical step in the life of a professional fighter was a move to the world of mixed martial arts and he took to the sport like a natural.

With a dedication second to none and an unmatched amateur wrestling pedigree, Buys stormed through the ranks on his way to becoming the youngest champion in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC).

In October 2016, a 19-year-old Buys stepped out of the hexagon with the interim flyweight belt around his waist, but this simply was not enough.

He relinquished his title, packed his bags and headed to the United States where things did not go quite the way he planned, as he lost a fight which would have sealed himself a UFC contract.

Buys took the loss on the chin and headed home without a contract, but with valuable international experience.

And on Saturday at EFC69 at Carnival City, he will look to complete yet another chapter in his storied career when he takes on France’s Philippe Rouch for the vacant bantamweight title.

Rouch, the No 1 contender in the division, has taken the EFC by storm, winning both his fights so far and he has come to South Africa with only one mission on his mind saying: “In my head it’s only victory or death.”

Buys also did not mince his words when asked his opinion of the Frenchman.

“He’s not my friend, he’s not my team-mate, he’s not a sportsman. To me he is an enemy trying to invade my country.”

A second title will be up for grabs in the co-main event on Saturday when reigning flyweight king Zulu Boy attempts to defend his belt against Angolan predator Marino Cutendana.