Cape Town - Stuart Austin wants one more fight before challenging for the EFC heavyweight title, even though he could be next in line.
Champion Jared Vanderaa (8-3) will defend the belt for the first time against the DR Congo’s Ricky Misholas (7-7) in the co-main event of EFC 77 at Time Square in Pretoria on Saturday.
READ: Jared – How should I finish Ricky?
And while matchmaker Graeme Cartmell likes the idea of Austin (13-5) getting the winner, the Englishman has other ideas.
“I would like another fight before getting a chance at the title,” Austin tells mmaengage.com.
“I think I need to build more momentum,” adds Austin, who called out ex-champ Ruan Potts (11-7) after becoming the only man to knockout the now-retired Andrew van Zyl (19-5) in December.
Asked for a prediction on Vanderaa’s bout with Misholas, Austin backs the well-rounded American to make good as the betting favourite.
“I think Jared will be too much for Ricky,” he says.
“He will be too technical in all areas. Obviously Ricky has good punching power, so he does have a chance.”