Veteran Van Staden faces a tough opponent in Cummins

EFC 77 in Pretoria tonight could be a life-changing event for Martin Van Staden. A make-or-break moment.

At the age of 35, he is one of the most fittest and sharpest Lightweight MMA athletes the world has.

He, too, has the ability and cardio to continue at the top of the MMA pyramid for another four years.

A slick, heavy-handed, strongwilled knockout specialist who knows how to use his energy and when to put his opponents to sleep.

But in business terms, the bean counters don’t always understand the mental aspect of the game and sometimes, age can play a factor when considering signing a fighter.

With the recent increase in UFC attention upon Africa and the EFC, Martin could be on the cusp of signing for the billion-dollar promotion.

The dream – for any fighter – could have materialised for “The Punisher” (26-11-0) if he had beaten Dave Mazany in Cape Town last year, unfortunately, Martin was beaten via decision.

Plans for a rematch were quickly spoken of, but then Dave felt it was the right time call it a day on his PRO MMA career, leaving the Lightweight Championship vacant.

Van Staden may not have the chance to fight Mazany again, but he has been given an opportunity to reclaim the belt and reopen that UFC door.

However, there will be a renowned smooth kick-boxing beast with beautiful transitioning too, bouncing at the UFC door.

England’s Joe Cummins called out Van Staden after dominating Armand Scheepers at EFC75 and they’ll face each other in a battle that could ultimately change both fighters’ lives.

“I want Van Staden,” said Cummins at the post-fight press conference. “Let myself and Martin battle it out for the belt.”

“Martin’s the most experienced guy in EFC and the best, and we want the best.”

“Pressure is always on the local fighter and pressure will be on him. He understands my level because he too has been around a long time, “says 30-year-old Cummins (5-1-0).

“Silky” Joe made his nickname clear against Armand in their last fight with his quick lethal leg-movement and striking.

Pitted against another go-forward fighter, this one is set to blow up the EFC opening event in style.

“I see the fight going wherever it goes. I’m a complete martial artist so we’re ready for wherever it goes. There are no nerves here, the only people with nerves are the ones who have not put everything into their training. “I feel who ever tunes in to see this fight won’t be disappointed,” Cummins said.

“MMA is my life, not a game, I do nothing else.”

Have you ever seen two men fighting for their lives? Fighting for something better? Fighting for a chance?

Well, tune in tonight on SABC and SuperSport.