Kwazakhele Mixed Martial Arts champion Luthando “Shorty” Biko believes he is in the best shape he could possibly be as he prepares for his Extreme Fighting Championship world title shot this weekend.
Shorty, as he is known to his MMA family, will go up against the current EFC bantamweight champion JP Buys for the title at the GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World on Saturday.
Biko, fighting out of the Port Elizabeth Submission Fighting Academy and under the tutelage of legendary MMA guru and coach Chris Bright,  believes his preparations have been good as he goes in search of the title that will see him become undisputed bantamweight champion of the world.
The bantamweight title fight will be one of two headline events at the showcase as flyweight kingpin Nkazimulo Zulu will put his title on the line against England`s undefeated Jake Hadley.
Speaking about his readiness for the bout, Biko said: “Physically I feel in shape. I've been in my training camp since January and I've also trained during December holidays last year, so I have basically I've been in the gym since my last fight.”
“I am very happy with my preparations. We did everything we had to do for this fight and now I just need to go there and perform,” he explained.
With MMA being as much a physical sport as it is a mental one, Biko believed he was in the right space mentally to go into combat with current champion Buys.
“My head is where it's supposed to be. I think nerves are starting to kick in which I think it's a good thing going to a fight,” said Biko, who holds a five win, one loss record.
“I just need to believe in myself a bit more in addition to applying the stuff I work on in training on a daily basis,” he added.
Biko would not say much about his opponent but did acknowledge Buys’ obvious ability in the ring. “I know he’s good at what he does. I've seen him fight, but I am also quite confident in my own ability. So I think it's going to be an exciting fight.”
He added that all the support he had received from his friends, family and MMA family had been overwhelming.
“I have the best support ever. From my family and my team. I know the Eastern Cape is behind me and I really appreciate everyone who has been a part of my journey. Their thoughts and prayers rise upon me on the night.” Biko said.
There will a number of premliminary fights on the night including: Saxon Delafield vs Rodrique Kena, Shaun de Lange vs Marcel Teniers, August Kayambala vs Sindile Manengela, Paulwethu Namba vs Imke Smit, Wade Kerspuy vs Josemar Octavio, and Smit vs Badat.
For all the fight card and broadcast details, go to www.efcworldwide.com