Cape Town - EFC stalwart Francois ‘Franaconda’ Groenewald has announced his retirement from professional mixed martial arts.
Groenewald, who fought for the bantamweight belt against Demarte Pena (11-0) in 2014 and also shared the hexagon with flyweight king Nkazimulo Zulu (10-2-1), hangs up his gloves with a record of 11-7.
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The 34-year-old said on social media: “So as of today I’m officially retired from competitive MMA. Thank you EFC for giving me the opportunity to do what so few people get to experience.
“Thanks to my coaches and training partners at @sbgcapetown as well as my management team @proleague_fight_management for a very memorable career in ass kicking.
“Maybe time to move to the WWE?”
Groenewald, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, was on the cusp of another title shot with three straight first-round submission wins before losing to Frenchman Philippe Rouch (7-4) in their ‘Fight of the Night’ at EFC 59 in May 2017.
Since then the Straight Blast Gym Cape Town product has been working in the film industry and coaching BJJ at Madfit MMA on Roeland Street in Cape Town.
Madfit MMA was founded in 2015 by UFC fighter Don Madge (8-3-1) and boxing coach Matthew Leisching.