Johannesburg (South Africa) – Top welterweight Tyron ‘The Rush’ Rightford has relocated to Cape Town from the south of Johannesburg. Today he announced that he will be joining the stable of Rico Hattingh’s MMA (RHMMA), the team from which light heavyweight champion Gideon Drotschie competes.

“Tyron is one of the top fighters within EFC AFRICA … A world class striker and tough as nails. I am excited for the opportunity to work with such a talented athlete and acknowledge what his previous trainers have done for him,” said Muay Thai coach Gregor Weichmann.

“With Rico Hattingh’s ground game and Gregor Weichman’s Muay Thai, the sky is the limit,” commented fight fan Deon Arbuckle on the announcement.

Now retired Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt Rico ‘The White Lion’ Hattingh is legendary for his performances as a heavyweight MMA athlete, both in Africa and globally, and for his humility. Under his tutelage Gideon Drotschie has become a massively feared athlete, principally through his devastating ground game.

Rightford is notorious for entertaining smacktalk before, during, and after his fights.

“One thing that his fans will have to live without from now on is the old hooligan trash talk,” added Weichman with a smile. “We have zero tolerance for swearing at RHMMA and in the public domain.”

Rightford flanked by new coaches Rico Hattingh (right) and Gregor Weichmann (left)

Will he be able to tame his tongue? Word is that any swearing will earn ‘The Rush’ 300 push-ups in the gym.

EFC AFRICA returns to Carnival City’s Big Top Arena for EFC AFRICA 27, presented by MusclePharm, taking place on Thursday 27 February 2014. Tickets on sale now at computicket.com. Stream the entire event, live and in HD, from efcafrica.tv.

Broadcast information and full fight card available at efcafrica.com