30/04/2014
MMA Africa
5 CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS!
Two days before fight night, MMA Africa was able to catch up with one of the biggest threats in the Bantamweight division!
He's a Brown Belt in BJJ, has proven that he was crazy stand up skills, and is on a winning streak that will surely see him get a title shot soon!
His nickname explains exactly what its like to roll with the man...
You guessed it! None other than the Franaconda, Francios Groenewald!
This is, 5 CHAMPIONSHIP ROUNDS WITH FRANCIOS GROENEWALD!
MA: You are currently riding a 3 fight win streak. Is that due to you fighting in a more natural weight division (Bantamweight) or has there been a change in how you've approached your training and preparation?
FG: Yes, I do favour the lighter division and as you know I am always reinventing my fighting style and working on new and improved aspects of my game.
MA: A few people have said that you should be getting a Title shot now. What are your thoughts on how the division has panned out?
FG: Demarte's drop to Bantamweight threw a spanner in the works, however I believe that after my fight with Leo, the path to the nr 1 contender spot and a shot at the title will be within arms reach.
MA: You have a fight coming up on May Day that has been a bout wanted by the public for a long time. In a classic Grappler vs Boxer, you take on Leo Gloss. Have you taken a look at his previous fights and how are you preparing for this one?
FG: I really think this will be a crowd favorite, we are some of the more experienced EFC fighters and both of us will come out swinging. I feel I have a strong advantage on the ground and clinch but wont be scared to throw some leather either. I do however respect his hands and he is one of the toughest fighters around. As far as preparation has gone, I haven't underestimated him at all and have worked hard on boxing defense.
MA: What is the story behind this fight being at a catch weight? Why has it been made at 64kg as opposed to the 61kg cut off?
FG: I know Leo didn't make weight in his last fight and with taking this fight on short notice he asked for a catch weight, I'm not letting this opportunity slide I would have agreed to any weight.
MA: Lastly, You train under arguably two of the best coaches in the country. This reflects in how your stand up has developed, let alone your near flawless ground game.
How much of a role does Jurgen and Raymond play in getting you prepared for your fights?
FG:Its great to have a high calibre team behind me, with the addition of Richard Addinall as wrestling coach its only escalating the level of my ground game. To top it all off I have James Read to guide me and negotiate on my behalf and he keeps me on track.
MA: Thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule to chat to us. Best of luck on May 1st.
Please feel free to have the last word.
FG: Lastly thanks Steve and MMA Africa for the interview, my coaching staff and my team for always having my back.
All my sponsors - Furniture INC, Scarab, Maxis Carnival Mall, RSV, A Breed Apart pictures, Anaconda, Vision Planet Fitness, Saf-fa, Kia East Rand, Scenic Route, Body Sculpture Nutrition and ZaKru Engineering.
