CAPE TOWN – MMA is about transitioning and adapting in the moment. It is a beautiful thing.
But let me tell you, there is nothing more beautiful than when a parent speaks of their child.
Just watch Armand Scheepers in the video below when asked about his little family. The glow that comes to his face is something else.
The man has recently got engaged, and he and his fiancé are expecting their first baby, a gift that has given him so much perspective and drive.
“In the last 10 months, my life has changed so much. I can’t just think for two people now, but for three,” he says.
“It has just been a blessing so far, everything. My entire camp and the whole experience altogether has been one big blessing.”
Armand had experienced a rough patch not too long ago when he missed weight for a fight that had everybody talking.
He was set to take on his former teammate, Luke Michael, in a highly anticipated fight at EFC72, before Armand missed weight by a substantial amount which saw plenty MMA fans lay into him for not making weight.
It must have been a tough pill to swallow, and hard lessons were learnt for the REPS GYM athlete.
But in life, it is all about how you learn and come back from disappointments that matter. And Armand has since chosen to rise above his mistakes and better himself.
He came back at EFC74 in emphatic fashion by subduing Pietie Coxen in the first round via armbar.
Now, at EFC75, he is back in Cape Town at the Grand Arena on Saturday to take on England’s Joe Cummins, who was ironically set to fight Luke.
Due to injury, Luke was unable to take the fight and has penned down a bout with Conrad Seabi at EFC76 should all go well.
“The focus now is to get back what I had lost. I want to show the haters that I made a mistake, and that I am here to correct it,” says Armand.
“I’m excited to fight, I was really glad when Graeme (Cartmell, EFC VP) called me to offer me the fight.
Julian Kiewietz speaks to MMA fighter Armand Scheepers ahead of EFC75.
“I have the biggest respect for Joe Cummins.
“I am just focused on getting the win and enjoying my holiday with my family and friends.”
It is going to be a display of splendour as Joe flairs out his kickboxing against the sharp and calculating Armand who is always looking to lock in a heel hook or two.
WIN TICKETS!
Two double tickets are up for grabs for EFC75 on Saturday night.
To enter, answer the following question:
Who will Nkazimulo Zulu defend his flyweight belt against at EFC75 this Saturday at Grand West Casino?
SMS the following: EFC, answer, name, surname and email address, to 33258. SMS costs R1.50. Winners will be notified via email. T’s and C’s apply.
@juliankiewietz