Lockdown not good for MMA growth

Boksburg’s Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) star Robert Swanepoel believes that further delay in the return of contact sport will prove detrimental to the growth of mixed martial arts.

Swanepoel, who is better known as “9mm” in MMA circles, was speaking in support of EFC’s recent application to the government for EFC action to return under government lockdown regulations.

“Besides the fact that I have been scheduled to compete since April and being very keen to get back in there (hexagon) myself, it’s also important for the growth of the sport and athletes to start competing again,” he said. Fans, sponsors and athletes, just to name a few, need MMA action back.”

EFC has applied for approval to start hosting live professional MMA bouts again. Whilst adhering to the strictest Covid-19 safety protocols such as testing, screening and wearing of protective equipment, the bouts would be behind closed doors, with a minimum crew and no spectators.

EFC would leverage its vast TV broadcast platform to continue to reach the millions of viewers from across the continent and the globe. In addition to the safety protocols, EFC has instituted an extensive Covid-19 awareness campaign.

Using one of the continent’s most popular sports as a driver to deliver a message of health and safety, the organisation has temporarily changed its name to EFC (Effectively Fighting Covid-19).

Depending on the government’s response to EFC, a new date for EFC 85, the fight card which included Swanepoel’s bout, is yet to be set.

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