Buys bullish before big bout against Biko
Former Brakpan resident JP Buys is bullish ahead of the unification bout for the Extreme Fighting Championship’s (EFC) bantamweight belt on April 13 at EFC the GrandWest Casino in Cape Town.
The former Brakpan Wrestling Club champion relinquished the flyweight title, to compete in the UFC’s DWTN Contender Series last year and returned to the EFC as a heavier bantamweight, and recaptured gold at EFC 69, making him one of very few fighters to have held titles in more than one division.
His opponent, Luthando Biko, rose through the ranks and earned his shot at EFC gold, however, Buys refused to defend his belt as he was motivated to compete outside of African borders.
Biko faced the formidable Englishman Cal Ellenor over five gruelling rounds for the interim title.
Biko emerged victorious, the people’s champ ready to unify the belt under his name in a fight that fans had been calling for.
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Speaking about his upcoming fight, Buys said: “The fight is a unification bout, but we all know what the reason is for that.
“I went overseas to take care of some other business.
“EFC then built an interim champ in the meanwhile, but yeah he basically just booked himself a date with me by winning the interim belt.”
The always confident fighter added that he has observed his upcoming opponent before.
“I have actually cornered two of my teammates when they fought against Biko.
“I know he is fit and moves a lot.
“His main strength is judo and he just grinds a person out.
“I feel that he’ll try to take this fight to the judges but I don’t see that happening.”
Buys has been hard at work in preparation for this fight.
“I have been putting in hours and hours of work.
“Fans can expect me to come out and finish Biko.
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“I always come out to finish a fight, I have a 100 per cent finish rate in the EFC and on April 13 it’ll still be 100%.”
Asked what separates him from other fighters, Buys said: “I am one of few athletes who train all year round, I’m never in or out of camp.
“I train everyday whether I have a fight or not as it is my job to train and fight.
“I think on April 13, after I beat Biko, people will be shocked with the progress I have made since I last stepped in the EFC cage.”
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