Bradley Swanepoel targets triumphant return to EFC

In an exclusive conversation with SABC Sport, before his upcoming fight, the Ballito-based brawler offered a rundown of his training camp.

“The camp was long and hard, like it’s supposed to be. It’s about 8-10 weeks and six days a week, sometimes seven days a week of intense training. I’m feeling hungry to deliver, because all of the hard work has been done, now it’s just about focusing on the fight.”

“The Nightmare” as he is known, last stepped into the cage for a competitive fight approximately two years ago, but during this period he has had a chance to reinvent himself…

“During this period, I had the chance to reboot and reinvent myself as a fighter. Our family and our gym has been through a lot of challenges which we were ready to face because that’s what life does sometimes. I’m really blessed where I am right now because I’ve realised that whatever life throws at you or your family, you should just try to stand your ground and never give up fighting. This is the fight game after all.”

His father and coach, Morne Swanepoel has watched his son grow as both a man and a fighter, and Bradley believes the father-son coaching dynamic has been the key to his rise in MMA.

“It’s an indescribable relationship. It’s something totally different and really special to have your coach and your dad in your corner.”

The young gun also spoke about his upbringing and said he was always raised to one day be an MMA prodigy and champion.

“Literally when I was born, I was carried away from the hospital and brought to the gym. It’s really important for me to continue the legacy of the Swanepoels and to make sure that all the hard work from birth is not for nothing. I want our name to be big one day and I really want the title strapped around my waist.”

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His father and South African MMA pioneer, Morne, had this to say…

“Both my sons Bradley and Dylan have been training since the age of four, they’ve got over 100 grappling matches behind their names. Bradley didn’t lose in over 30 amateur fights, and his pro record is 6-1, with his only loss being his title fight against Kabesa.

“My sons live, breathe, eat martial arts, and they aren’t just average sportsmen, because this is a lifestyle for us.”

The experienced cornerman also revealed that Sizwe Mnikathi trained with him for about eighteen months, so they know a lot about him, and they appreciate that he is a very formidable opponent, but both son and father believe a victory will start to set Bradley up for a top contender spot and a title shot.

For both Bradley and Dylan, the dream has always been to fight in the UFC, and the only way they are going to get there, in the words of their father, is if they hunt down the EFC title.

Bradley Swanepoel gave his prediction for the fight against Mnikathi later today and what might follow in his career.

“To find out what will happen in this fight, you must tune in to witness a great performance. As for the future, I don’t know if it’s going to be featherweight or lightweight, either way I’m working my way to the top. I want to call myself one of the best to do it-that has always been my goal from the very beginning.”