Ballito’s Lino in “Power” struggle for EFC title

Amanda Lino will attempt to turn Africa’s kingdom of pleasure, Sun City, into her dominion of pain when she steps into the hexagon for the Extreme Fighting Championship’s (EFC) first ever female championship fight on Saturday, October 15.

This ground-breaking match-up is the co-main event in the 54th edition of the EFC and sees current standout fighters; Ballito’s Amanda Lino and Johannesburg’s Shana Power square up to determine the women’s flyweight champion.

Headlining the EFC 54 will be the men’s heavyweight title fight between former champion, Andrew van Zyl and South African boxing champion, Elvis Moyo.

Third on the card is the highly anticipated rematch between JP Buys and Baldwin Mdlalose for the interim flyweight title.

Although they are the exact same height with similar reach and fight records, Lino, fighting out of KO Fitness in Umhlanga and Power, who fights out of Fight Fit Militia (FFM) are polar opposites in fight style and skills breakdown.

Amanda “Mad Dog” Lino is known for her lethal knock-out (KO) power, aggressive striking, very physical fighting style and a skills breakdown of 80 per cent striking, ten per cent submissions and ten per cent takedowns.

Shana “Titanium” Power on the other hand is an incredibly strong and well-rounded fighter with a more evenly distributed skills breakdown of 30 per cent striking, 30 per cent submissions and 40 per cent takedowns.

Lino said she knows Power’s weaknesses and is ready for her.

“Shana is considered a strong, well-rounded fighter, but without taking anything away from her, I do not think she has been tested by a strong opponent up to now.

“I know her weaknesses and have been working on them. But my game plan is for me to be the strongest I can possibly be in my game and not focus just on her,” said Lino.

Since her last matchup against Jacqueline Trosee on March 5 at EFC47, Lino has changed coaches and revised her training programme, turning her into a different fighter.

“I’ve recently moved to KO Fitness and have added a lot to my training and surrounded myself with other professional fighters. Every day I am learning something new and Rodney has a lot to do with that”.

Lino said winning the first female EFC title belt will be an honour and confirmation of the hard work she and her team puts in day in and day out.

“As much as I step into the cage alone it is a team effort from my camp, family, friends and supporters. I cannot think of anything better than to bring the belt back home,” said Lino.

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