Pavier ready to go back to drawing board after EFC defeat

It only took a matter of one minute and 48 seconds for Potchefstroom’s mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Hein Pavier to taste defeat in his first professional fight at EFC 71 last Saturday but this proud fighter is convinced he will be back with a bang.
A first-round knockout (KO) loss against Mutuale Basambombo halted Pavier’s winning aspirations at EFC 71 at Carnival City, Johannesburg, on Saturday, 23 June.

This defeat showcases the tough challenge of the professional arena and this Warrior Sports Potchefstroom fighter knows he will need to up his game before he takes on his next challenge in EFC. ‘It was a tremendous experience and a bit overwhelming with all the hype and professionalism involved. It was everything I expected and more,’ he said. According to him, he struggled to adjust to the atmosphere in the cage in the first minute and had trouble hearing instructions from his corner.

‘I tried to cut out the noise and actually hit my opponent with a left head kick that stunned him but I made the mistake of not capitalising and taking him to the ground. Before I knew it, I had lowered my right hand in defence. He then took the opportunity and knocked me down with a left hook and it was over,’ he explained.

Pavier will now go back to evaluate his game plan for his next fight that will probably take place in November. ‘For the next five to six months, I am going to build on various aspects. I will need to plan better, work harder and improve my hand speed and overall speed from my shoulders. I also want to go down to lightweight for the next fight in order to negate the reach advantage that opponents have in the welterweight class,’ he said.