Sanchez and Swanepoel square off for EFC Interim Lightweight Gold

While current champion Martin van Staden remains on the sideline, “Rayo” claimed the interim title in March of this year and fulfilled a lifelong dream for himself and those dearest to him.

Sanchez says preparations for this fight went smoothly and he also welcomes the challenge of another fan favourite fighter. 

“Training camp for this fight has been good; it’s been a much harder camp than the previous one because we want to keep the belt. I was a little bit disappointed at first when Martin van Staden pulled out, but we can’t harp on about spilled milk and the division simply cannot stand still.”

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As for his challenger, Bradley Swanepoel crawled on the mats of his father’s gym before he could even walk. “The Nightmare” is eager to add another win to his record of 7-1-0, in a title fight he describes as the pinnacle of his career so far.

“I’m really looking forward to the fight and I’m excited to show off my best performance. All of the pre-fight hype and build up just makes me more focused and hungrier for that Interim title. The sixth of August will be epic!”

Both Sanchez and Swanepoel have overcome hardship in the cage and in their personal lives to reach the pinnacle of the EFC Lightweight roster. 

Sanchez fights to honour the memory of his late mother, and Swanepoel fights to protect and enhance his family’s legacy in South African MMA. So much is on the line for both warriors on Thursday night.

The EFC 136 showcase will begin at 14:00 before the main card gets underway around 19:00 with entertaining brawlers like Coenie Lamprecht, Sithembiso Hadebe, Rian Dunn, and Godfrey Mkhwanazi all eager to make an impression.