Battle of the bruisers
VAN ZYL FACES A TEST OF HIS METTLE AGAINST DRC POWERHOUSE
It’s the battle of the big dogs as the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) serves up a treat for its fans at Carnival City tonight. Andrew van Zyl – the alpha male of the organisation – puts his heavyweight title on the line against DRC powerhouse and light-heavyweight champion Dalcha Lungiambula at EFC71 in what is sure to be one of the biggest fights the hexagon has ever seen.
Dalcha, who ran out of credible opponents in his own division, is stepping up a weight class to take on a man who is arguably the best fighter that EFC has ever had.
“I don’t feel any pressure, I fight for myself,” Lungiambula said when asked about fighting for a second title.
He is looking to become the third athlete in the EFC to hold two titles simultaneously, after Dricus du Plessis and Amanda Lino.
But one does not simply step into the home of the baddest man on the planet and take his gold.
Van Zyl – a three-time heavyweight champion and currently riding a five-fight win streak – has also cleaned out his division, making this make-up the only real logical choice.
“We are two big dudes with a lot of power, and that throws something new into the situation, but all in all it’s the two best in their division having a go at each other,” Van Zyl said earlier this week.
In the co-main of the evening, the smallest men in the organisation will square off as flyweight champion Nkazimulu Zulu takes on Brazilian BJJ specialist Magno Alves.
Zulu was due to face Bokang Masunyane, but the latter pulled out of the fight due to injury, giving Alves an opportunity to cause a massive upset.
“Magno is the guy. He’s just one of those fighters you know regardless of the circumstances, will arrive in great shape and will put on a legitimate fight,” explained Graeme Cartmell, EFC VP of Talent.
When asked about the late cancellation, Zulu simply said: “They are all running scared of me, I’ll kick off all their heads.”
Plus, on the main card, undefeated muay thai specialist Steven Goncalves faces judo blackbelt Luthando Biko, Cedric Doyle returns against Trezegeut Kanyinda and opening the live broadcast with a bang, Conrad Seabi goes head-to-head with Pietie Coxen.