Igeu Kabesa on fighting ‘brother’ Martin van Staden at EFC 120

The two were training partners previously and Van Staden now wants to take down Kabesa, who is putting his belt on the line.

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Featherweight champion Kabesa spoke about preparing for someone who was once a close ally.

''In my mind, when we saw Martin fight - I said we are going to prepare to fight Martin van Staden. You know what, Martin is my brother, you guys don't know the relationship we've built throughout the years,'' said Kabesa.

Kabesa, however, promised to put aside his emotions to put on a good show.

Van Staden is of the opinion this bout brings together two equally matched fighters.

''Igeu said it all, we train together, it was amicable. I think it's going to be a clash of styles, come Thursday. He's good at what he does, I am also good at what I do. We drink together, and on Thursday no love loss, we actually had whiskey together a while back laughing about a potential match between the two of us. May the best man win Thursday,'' said Van Staden.

‘The Punisher’ as Van Staden is known in MMA circles, showed a lot of respect in how he spoke about Kabesa and his accolades.

But Van Staden believes he’s the more established of the two.

''All respect to him. He is a champion, two division champions, and poses a lot of threats. I am looking forward to the match, I know he's got a good all round game. But I believe I am better, and Thursday night I will be out to prove that. So Thursday night there will be fireworks,'' added van Staden.