Willie van Rooyen channels Dricus Du Plessis energy for EFC title defence

Van Rooyen defends his flyweight title tonight in Johannesburg against Moldovan challenger Anatolie Gafin — just 10 days before Du Plessis puts his middleweight belt on the line against Sweden’s Khamzat Chimaev.

Speaking ahead of the fight, Van Rooyen explained why he's fuelled by 'Stillknocks'.

"Dricus is definitely like a great leader for us South African fighters, and I'm trying my best to stay in his footsteps and follow the same path he's been through," said van Rooyen.

"I also want to – and the main goal at the end of the day is to – end up being a UFC champion, but for now my main focus is on this bout and keeping my belt in the country.

"So if they come from Russian territories or Europe, they can come, as long as they bring their best and they'll definitely find my best in the cage as well."

EFC matchmaker Graeme Cartmell insisted that Gafin was not brought in as a filler, but was evidence to the strength of the flyweight category.

"The funny things is, if you look at the flyweight division, usually when we have a champion in a division where we run out of contenders and opportunities for, we then bring in internationals," he explained.

"That hasn't been the case here, we've brought in an international because we believe Willie is at the top of his game and the entire division is just so stacked that we really are spoiled for choice there.

"We're going to have so many opportunities in the next two years to build incredible champions and watch them go off to other promotions, and hopefully we can get Willie into the UFC, which is the main plan."

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