Boyd Allen is primed to put on a show at EFC 129

“I don’t expect too much from the fight with regards to what a victory might grant me, but it’s about getting back in there, shaking off the rust, and putting on a show for the crowd.

“Whether I win or lose, I want to put on a great performance for all the supporters who want to see the old school guys back in action again.”

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Allen's last bout took place in the square ring back in June against Kagiso Bagwasi. The fight didn’t go according to his script, and he is eager to get back to winning ways, but this time, in a different discipline and against a different opponent in the shape of Vince Bembe.

The fight will be contested at featherweight, and the EFC matchmakers have said that the winner of this showdown will be the division’s No.1 contender and next in line to face the featherweight champion.

Allen also revealed to SABC Sport how he has been able to seamlessly drift between boxing and MMA throughout his career.

“It’s not easy to hop between the two disciplines, but I’ve managed to do it because of my amateur boxing background, which has given me a steady base.

“Transitioning into MMA was also difficult because I had to learn the art of Muay-Thai, kick-boxing, jiu jitsu, and wrestling.

“Because I’ve been dedicated to the craft of MMA, mixed in with my boxing fundamentals, I’ve been able to achieve success in both."

After growing up in a large family in Springs, Allen says he always took a massive liking to the fight game, which was one of the major reasons why he decided to establish the world-class Apex gym in Sandton.

“Our gym is closely tied to the community. We have created a professional, yet family-like environment that gives fighters the opportunity to develop their talent and knowledge, regardless of whether they are strangers to combat sports or seasoned professionals.

“It’s uplifting for me to know that my work inspires everyone in this gym to become better people and better fighters.”