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One of the most hyped up and anticipated Mixed Martial Arts fights to enter the EFC Africa hexagon is the Middleweight Title fight between defending champion, Jeremy Smith and the challenger, Garreth McLellan at the upcoming EFC 24. We put 10 pre-fight questions together for the fighters to answer and after seeing what they had to say, MMA fans are in for a treat come fight night!
Compared to other fights in the past, how big is this title fight to you?
Jeremy: Defending my title again will be a massive and monumental experience for me, I plan on keeping this belt for a very long time.
Garreth: My team has been working with EFC AFRICA to set up this encounter for a while now, and despite the various obstacles that we’ve had to overcome, I’m looking forward to the opportunity to win back the belt and the title. I lost the title to Smith in 2012 in a titanic battle that ended my undefeated streak, but I’ve invested my body, mind and soul in getting ready to win it back.
How have you changed physically and mentally since you last faced each other in the hexagon?
Jeremy: I am much leaner and stronger than the last time round, the lay off period was good, it gave me a lot of time for self thought and mental game training.
Garreth: I have taken myself to a different level, not only a physical but mental point of view and an emotional point of view. I have prepared myself best to my ability. I feel that I am in the best space I have ever been in. On the 10th October it will be the best Soldierboy that will enter into the hexagon.
Jeremy… “I’ll be playing out how I’m going to beat him. I’ll also be taking in all the noise from my fans and enjoying the environment”
How do you see the fight going this time round?
Jeremy: I am going to show him no respect, pressure him, put him up against the cage and hurt him, we are ready to take the fight anywhere we decide to, and inflict damage from any situation.
Garreth: I know I’m going to use some of what I did from that past fight, but this is a new fight and is a completely different fight. We’ve gone through the videos, my team and I, and we’ve put together a strategy that we’ve trained and I’ll be ready to give all I have.
How long have you been training for this fight and have you changed anything up in your programme for it?
Jeremy: Training about 20 weeks including the rehab period, we switched up the physical training, cut back on certain strength elements, increased our functional aspects and most importantly didn’t over-train. Lots of rest and taking off a session when needed made a massive difference.
Garreth: I am a professional athlete, and every minute I spend training is an investment in my future success. My commitment to this sport is absolute, and I make every physical and mental effort to make sure that I am at the top of my game.
Garreth… “I have a hunger inside of me that I have not experienced in a long time and want to go home with the title belt”
What do you think your opponents strong points and weak points are?
Jeremy: He has a good camp with strong coaches, he follows his game plan well and is a overall well rounded fighter. His weak points, doesn’t like being hit, runs a lot and I’m sure after his last fight he is doubting his abilities.
Garreth: I think we’re both very experienced and I think that we’re both well-rounded. I think we’ll both be equally ready.
How do you think you opponent is going to come into this fight?
Jeremy: Doubtful of his performance mentally, but I’m sure he will be physically prepped well.
Garreth: We’re both professionals and both on top of our game, I think we will need to adapt and he will do the same. I think he will bring the best that he has. It will make out to be a great fight.
How do you see the fight going?
Jeremy: I’ve answered that already.
Garreth: A Win is a win, as long as the belt comes home with me.
What can MMA fans expect come fight night on the 10th October?
Jeremy: They can expect a fight, not a athletics display.
Garreth: I have a hunger inside of me that I have not experienced in a long time and want to go home with the title belt. I will make sure to execute 100% perfection, 100% intensity, 100% commitment & 100% dedication on fight night, 10th October 2013.
What will be going through you mind when you enter the cage at EFC Africa 24?
Jeremy: I’ll be playing out how I’m going to beat him. I’ll also be taking in all the noise from my fans and enjoying the environment.
Garreth: Do or Die.
Any words for your opponent?
Jeremy: Go shave your beard!
Garreth: It’s On, Hoorah!
Shout-outs?
Jeremy: Shout out to all my fans who make fighting professionally a reality, massive thanks go out to my coaching team Marc Hebert (Gorilla Warfare), Nick Durandt (Durandts Boxing), Dwight Egelhoff (Egelhoff Training Systems), Leon Carstens, Graham Edwards (Gorilla Warfare), Damian D (Durandts Boxing), all my training partners who have put in the long hours and all those mates who have my back, Kevin, Jermaine, Gino, Mikey, Darryl, Kappie, Mark S, Mark B, My sister and family and anyone else I have forgotten.
Garreth: Big shout out & thank you to my team, Fight Fit Militia, my sponsors & everyone that has been a part of this incredible journey to EFC24, 10th October 2013
