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EFC 121 WEIGH IN

The final EFC weigh-ins of the year provided an intense atmosphere inside the World Sports Betting Arena in Johannesburg with two highly anticipated title fights earmarking the EFC 121 event scheduled for Thursday, 6th March

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THE ZAMBIAN TAKEOVER HAS BEGUN!

6th March 2025

THE ZAMBIAN TAKEOVER HAS BEGUN!

Johannesburg, South Africa - Zambia's undefeated Ken 'The Takeover' Sekeletu emerged victorious from the main event of EFC 121 in front of delirious crowds as he took the featherweight title from South Africa's champion Roedie Roets in one spectacular round.

With Roets coming-out fast from the bell it was evident that his title defence gameplan was to clinch up and grapple the Zambian, but it was in this position that Sekeletu was able to deploy elbows to the side of his opponents head and leave the champion worse for wear at the bell. It was immediately evident that Roets was concussed and confused and seemingly indicating that this was as a result of illegal blows to the back of the head, though the action reply failed to show any. When the time came for the second round, Roets was still unable to continue, handing the belt to Sekeletu who makes history as the first MMA champion from Zambia.

The new champion will not be allowed to rest upon his laurels however, as the co-main event was staged to select his next challenger between Ayanda Zwane and Billy Oosthuizen. Over two rounds, Zwane's kickboxing and mercurial movement flummoxed his foe, who began to bleed profusely from his wounds. But in the third, knowing he was down two rounds, 'The Kid' took Zwane to the canvas and sank in a rear-naked choke to take the tap in a sensational come-from-behind victory.

Fans were treated to a back-and-forth war between Musa Sethwape and Lucky Magekha which mostly stayed on the feet. Sethwape's counter game was strong against the forward-footed Magheka and it was this strategy that convinced the judges to give 'Bad News' the razor-thin split decision. Opening the card was a Congo/Senegal clash between Diego Bandu and debutante Mouhamid Tafsir Ba in which both athletes engaged on the feet, with Ba particularly scoring the more effective shots but it was Bandu who walked away with the unanimous decision. All eyes now turn to the heavyweight title fight in April between France's Champion Anthony Morel and Zimbabwe's challenger, Elvis Moyo.

The Official EFC 121 Results are:

Mfanafuthi Ngobese bt Tebatso Matlhobowane 2'26'' in Rd 2 by Guillotine
Ash Zola bt Godfrey Mkhwanazi 2'00'' in Rd 2 by RNC
Nicolaas Vermaak bt Mlungisi Mbizane by Split Decision
Mark Kamba bt Jaden van der Merwe 40'' Rd 1 Knockout
Jesse Schaper bt Nkosi Doyisa 2'27'' Rd 1 by RNC
Chadrack Yemba bt Tapiwa Katikati 3'47'' Rd 1 by Anaconda
Gasmire Diatta bt Sizwe Mnikathi by Unanimous Decision
Lihle Ngamntwini bt Salahuddin Plaatjies by Split Decision
Diego Bandu bt Mouhamed Tafsir Ba by Unanimous Decision
Musa Sethwape bt Lucky Magekha by Split Decision
Kaleka Kabanda bt Hanru Botha 152.6lbs 4'36'' Rd 1 by TKO
Billy Oosthuizen bt Ayanda Zwane 4'17'' Rd 3 by RNC
Ken Sekeletu bt Roedie Roets 0'00'' Rd 2 by Verbal Submission

Performance Bonuses were awarded to:
Lihle Ngamntwini
Nicolaas Vermaak
Mlungisi Mbizane
Billy Oosthuizen
Ayanda Zwane

Fight Of The Night Bonus was awarded to:
Diego Bandu and Mouhamed Tafsir Ba

EFC 122 Morel vs Moyo for the Heavyweight Championship takes place on Thursday 10th April 2025, live from the World Sports Betting Arena at the EFC Performance Institute in JHB, South Africa.

About EFC – The Extreme Fighting Championship

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, EFC is a world leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. EFC produces 10 live events annually at sold out arenas. With over 200 athletes exclusively contracted to the organisation, EFC showcases the greatest warriors on the planet.

EFC events are broadcast in over 120 countries around the world on numerous television networks in multiple languages. EFC programming is available weekly in 600+ million TV households globally, making it one of the most recognisable MMA brands in the world.

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SECURITY SEPARATE SCUFFLES AT THE SCALE

Johannesburg, South Africa - All bouts for the stacked EFC 121 card are locked and loaded as the World Sports Betting Arena played host to the first weigh-ins of 2025 where battle lines were resolutely drawn in the sand.

In front of a baying crowd of fight fans who have been eagerly awaiting Africa’s first major combat sports event of 2025, the interim Featherweight Champion Roedie ‘Relentless’ Roets faced-down his undefeated challenger from Zambia, Ken ‘The Takeover’ Sekeletu with a steely gaze. As Roets vowed to defend the belt in honour of its former wearer, his close teammate Igeu Kabesa, Sekeletu promised in turn that the title was undoubtedly heading back to Lusaka.

The co-main event slot at EFC 121 will decide the number one contender in the same division and it was at this face-off that Night Guard security earnt their cheque as Billy ‘The Kid’ Oosthuizen and Ayanda ‘The Power’ Zwane had to be separated once it became evident they were happy to throw down ahead of tomorrow night’s proceedings. With ‘The Kid’ a significant favourite at World Sports Betting, former contender Zwane will be desperate to get past the veteran gunslinger for another shot at Roets’s gold.

Conversely, Musa Sethwape stepped onto the scale as a 4.00 underdog which means a wager on ‘Bad News’ of R100 would bag the winning punter a return of R500. He was all smiles as he faced-off with his opponent Lucky Magekha who was fined for being on the wrong side of the needle. The two veterans of Hanru Botha and Kaleka Kabanda however, were the epitome of professionalism with 26 bouts between them ensuring no such deliberations whilst the first main card matchup of the debuting Senegalese powerhouse Mouhamed Tafsir Ba against the imposing Diego Bandu required the latter to make a second cutting attempt which he achieved successfully.

With 16 other fighters making their intentions on the undercard clear, all 13 bouts for EFC 121 have been rubber-stamped by the governing body, setting into motion an event primed to kick-off EFC’s 2025 in violent style!

The Official Weigh-In Results are:

Flyweight Mfanafuthi Ngobese 123.2lbs vs Tebatso Matlhobowane 124.4lbs

Bantamweight Godfrey Mkhwanazi 134.8lbs vs Ash Zola 137lbs*

Bantamweight Mlungisi Mbizane 134.1lbs vs Nicolaas Vermaak 132.6lbs

Middleweight Jaden van der Merwe 184.9lbs vs Mark Kamba 185.5lbs

Featherweight Nkosi Doyisa 144.8lbs vs Jesse Schaper 143.3lbs

Catchweight Chadrack Yemba 149.4lbs vs Tapiwa Katikati 152.5lbs

Catchweight Sizwe Mnikathi 156.5lbs* vs Gasmire Diatta 149.6lbs

Flyweight Lihle Ngamntwini 124.9lbs vs Salahuddin Plaatjies 125.3lbs

Middleweight Diego Bandu 184.8lbs vs Mouhamed Tafsir Ba 184.6lbs

Bantamweight Lucky Magekha 137.1lbs* vs Musa Sethwape 133.5lbs

Lightweight Hanru Botha 152.6lbs vs Kaleka Kabanda 156lbs

Featherweight Ayanda Zwane 144.5lbs vs Billy Oosthuizen 145.6lbs

Featherweight Roedie Roets 144.7lbs vs Ken Sekeletu 144.5lbs

* These fighters failed to make weight

EFC 121 Roets vs Sekeletu for the Interim Featherweight Championship takes place on Thursday 6th March 2025, live from the World Sports Betting Arena at the EFC Performance Institute in JHB, South Africa.

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EFC 121 FIGHT WEEK IS HERE

EFC 121 FIGHT WEEK IS HERE African MMA Continues Its Relentless Takeover

Johannesburg, South Africa - Johannesburg, South Africa -

EFC 121 is ready to kick-off the African combat sports year with a massive card this Thursday, featuring 13 power-packed bouts including one enthralling title fight in the main event at the World Sports Betting Arena in the City of Gold!

When Roedie Roets secured the interim featherweight title late last year, it was the culmination of a career that had taken him around the world from Polokwane to Phuket before a star-turn in the house in the latest season of The Ultimate Fighter. Following 5 gruelling rounds of total war in the fabled EFC Hexagon late last year ‘Relentess’ strapped the gold around his waist and declared himself ready for the next challenger. But in a case of being careful for what one wishes, up steps the undefeated Zambian finishing machine, Ken Sekeletu. With only one of his pro bouts going to decision, ‘The Takeover’ has a highlight reel which is the envy of many, with a variety of dizzying first-round finishes over top-drawer opponents including most recently a liver-kick KO of the highly-regarded Vince Bembe at Christmas. In the biggest fight of the Lusakan lutador’s life, he represents a massive challenge to Roets’s championship in the Limpopan’s very first title defence in the thrilling main event. Incredibly World Sports Betting currently has the challenger as the slight favourite going into this battle!

The entire EFC 121 main card is stacked to the rafters with the co-main slot occupied by the man whom Roets beat to that interim featherweight strap, Ayanda ‘Power’ Zwane taking on veteran gunslinger Billy Oosthuizen. With Zwane desperate to earn another title shot, he will have to contend with Oosthuizen's infamous brawling style and with four wins out of five recent bouts, Billy has laid claim to his own right for title-contention and a win over another topranking opponent like Zwane would surely rubber-stamp such a request.

Another returning vet is the man they rightly call ‘The Bully’, Hanru Botha who himself is coming-off a jaw-dropping KO of Osvaldo Benedito last year which is one of seven superb victories in the Hex, won during an EFC career spanning eleven years of action. In an intriguing clash of styles, this wrestler will undoubtedly duke it out on the feet against another returning fan favourite, Kaleka ‘Block’ Kabanda who recently fought for the title but came up short against the imperious Igeu Kabesa. With submission finishes of the likes of JT Botha and Guelor Sondi, Kabanda is a wily and dangerous grappler, which just happens to be the founding skillset of Botha.

It’s ‘Bad News’ for any opponent when Musa Sethwape makes that walk but Lucky Magekha will hope to stop the press with one of his customary quick finishes. Undefeated in the EFC, Lucky has sent several opponents packing in the first and is riding a four-fight winning streak, while Sethwape is looking to overturn a three-fight skid. Admittedly those losses against such standouts as Zulu and Balelo must be placed in the context of his victories over luminaries like Law, Komana and Ntambwe, Sethwape is as exciting as they come and always brings the trash talk to back up his fists regardless of him being the considerable underdog at World Sports Betting.

The main-card curtain-raiser is a middleweight collision between CIT’s towering Diego Bandu and promotional debutante Mouhamed Ba. Based in France, Ba is an electrifying and undefeated Senegalese headhunter who has massive knockout power in both hands courtesy of a stellar kickboxing career. But his opponent ‘Pangaman’ recently reminded EFC fans of his hellacious power with a first round KO with knees in his last outing and a resumé of destruction over the likes of Pretorius and Hlongwa. This one promises another spectacular finish.

With eight undercard bouts preceding this amazing main card of combat, EFC 121 is bound to provide another night of high-drama. The featured prelim fight will witness ‘Rush Hour’ returning to Jozi as Lihle Ngamntwini looks to continue his winning streak against the dynamic grappling specialist Salahuddin ‘Shady’ Plaatjies. Durban’s entertaining Tapiwa Katikati is always down for fist-fracas but must contend with the undefeated finisher from the DRC, Chadrack Yemba, before CIT veteran Sizwe Mnikhathi enters the Hex in his twenty-fourth fight in the five-sider against another fascinating signing from Senegal in heavy-handed debutante Gasmire Diatta.

With its biggest schedule yet after 16 years of growth, 2025 in the EFC is set to revolutionise the sport once more with a variety of formats and fight nights, which all begin with EFC 121 this Thursday 6th of March in one huge night of unmissable MMA action!

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EFC CONTENDER SERIES: DISCOVERING AFRICA'S FUTURE CHAMPIONS

EFC CONTENDER SERIES: DISCOVERING AFRICA'S FUTURE CHAMPIONS

Johannesburg, South Africa 5 December 2024 – The inaugural EFC Contender Series lit up the African MMA scene, highlighting the exceptional talent emerging from the continent. This new platform is designed to identify and showcase Africa's next-generation fighters, providing a pathway to the professional ranks while raising the profile of mixed martial arts in Africa. The night concluded with EFC contracts being offered to Ash Zola, Sean Frost, Brandon Santos, and Mfanafuthi Ngobese.

The event kicked off with a thrilling victory from Thapelo Malatjie, who secured the first win of the evening with a dominant rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Malatjie's smooth grappling transitions and sharp awareness were on full display as he capitalised on his opponent's mistakes, setting a high standard for the night's competition.

A highly anticipated bout of the night was the heavyweight clash between Emmanuel Okafor and Mbasa Khosa. In a brutal back-and-forth, Okafor showed incredible resilience, absorbing multiple punishing blows from Khosa. Despite his valiant effort, Okafor's body was pushed to its limits, and he was carried out of the Hexagon on a stretcher after three gruelling rounds. Khosa emerged victorious, but the fight showcased the heart and spirit of both competitors—setting the stage for a promising career for Khosa, whose striking power proved to be the difference in the contest.

Sean Frost delivered a masterclass in ground and pound against Grant Farrow, leaving no doubt about his dominance inside the Hex. He took control of the action, overwhelming his opponent with relentless pressure and precision strikes. His superior control on the ground was evident throughout the entire bout, as he consistently neutralized his opponent's attempts to escape or mount any offense. He walked away victorious with all three judges scoring in his favour.

Ash Zola showcased an exceptional level of composure and skill during his bout against Litha Madikiza that belied the intensity of the competition. His masterful display of technique and strategic dominance, pressured Madikiza at every turn, methodically breaking down his defence. The decisive moment came when Zola transitioned smoothly into a rear-naked choke, a submission that left their opponent with no avenue for escape.

The highlight of the evening came in the bout between rising stars Mfanafuthi Ngobese and Brandon Santos. Both fighters delivered a masterclass in MMA, combining technical striking with elite-level grappling. Their fast-paced, skilful performance earned the respect of fans and analysts alike, leaving no doubt that both men are future EFC contenders to watch.

At the post-event press conference Ash Zola, Sean Frost, Brandon Santos, and Mfanafuthi Ngobese were each offered professional contracts with EFC. The EFC Contender Series will continue to play a pivotal role in providing a legitimate platform for Africa's top amateur athletes to be scouted by EFC's matchmakers and potentially rise to the global stage.

Looking ahead to 2025, EFC is committed to fostering the development of African talent while maintaining the highest standards of competition. The EFC Contender Series is not only a platform for aspiring professional fighters but a crucial step in raising the level of matchmaking and preparation for athletes hoping to turn pro.

It was clear that this event will become a cornerstone of African MMA. The competition was fierce, and the athletes demonstrated heart, skill, and a burning desire to make their mark on the sport. The success of the event has set the stage for more to come, and with the next series already on the horizon, fans and fighters alike can expect even more intense battles and historic moments in the months and years ahead.

EFC Contender Series Final Results

Prelims

Catchweight

Thapelo Malatjie def David Champali via Tap Out due to Rear Naked Choke in Round 2 (1:13)

Welterweight

Baz Guelas def Boyka Botha after 3 Rounds via Split Decision

Heavyweight

Mbasa Khosa def Emmanuel Okafor after 3 Rounds via Split Decision

Featherweight

Ash Zola def Litha Madikiza via Tapout due to Rear Naked Choke in Round 2 (1.11)

Main Card

Catchweight

Sean Frost def Grant Farrow by Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds

Bantamweight

Sipho Mlaba def Qhayiya Pefile via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (2.09)

Catchweight

Jeremie Likobele def Jethro Swan via TKO due to Strikes in Round 2 (2.07)

Middleweight

Ruben Fourie def Jody Kasongo via Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds

Bantamweight

Brandon Santos def Mfanafuthi Ngobese via Tapout due to Arm Bar Round 3 (1.58)

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Final EFC of the year unleashes a battle for glory!

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12 December 2024

CLASH OF THE TITANS

Final EFC of the year unleashes a battle for glory!

Johannesburg, 12 December 2024: EFC 120 was an action-packed night of mixed martial arts, closing out the year with an unforgettable series of bouts that had fans on the edge of their seats. From title changes to grudge matches and debut victories, this event had it all. Here's a closer look at the key moments of the night:

The night ended with a thrilling title fight in the welterweight division between Luke Michael and Zaakir Badat. Michael came out aggressive, looking for a takedown early on, but Badat's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and physical strength were on full display. Despite Michael's efforts, Badat was able to quickly regain control and reverse the position before unleashing a hellacious onslaught of ground and pound. The Champ then locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Michael to tap out in the first round, securing Badat's victory and remain as the Welterweight Champion. His successful title defence marked his reign as the king of the welterweight division, further solidifying his elite status in EFC.

Though Michael came up short in this fight, he remains a formidable athlete in the middleweight division, holding onto his title in that division, setting-up intriguing future matchups in 2025.

The co-main event was a highly anticipated clash between Igeu Smiley Kabesa and Martin The Punisher Van Staden for the lightweight title. Both athletes were well aware of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and the fight played out with a sense of calculated strategy and intense action. The bout delivered exactly what fans were hoping for, with both men showcasing their skills and heart. However, it was Martin Van Staden who emerged victorious, staggering the champion with short but powerful shots and dethroning the most decorated EFC champion in history by sinking in a second-round rear-naked choke and claiming the Lightweight Championship. His performance was a testament to his resilience and tactical approach in the fight. Igeu Kabesa needed immediate medical attention post bout and was subsequently transported and admitted to hospital for urgent care. The EFC team is hoping to hear positive news regarding the situation and our thoughts are with him.

The grudge match between Musa Setwape and Shannon Van Tonder was full of bad blood, and as a result it did not disappoint. At the culmination of a heated fight week, Van Tonder proved to be the superior athlete on the night, outclassing Setwape on the feet to claim victory. His win answered the question of who the better athlete on the night was, with Van Tonder securing bragging rights in the rivalry though the record between the two foes now remain one a-piece. The result was a definitive win for Shannon Van Tonder, who cemented his place as a top contender in the division despite agreeing to the trilogy fight to decide who will have the ultimate bragging rights.

The prelims were filled with exciting prospects and raw talent, showcasing some of the best athletes South Africa has to offer.

Jaden Van der Merwe, a newly signed athlete, lived up to the hype by defeating seasoned competitor Christopher Matukane. Van der Merwe displayed his potential with a dominant performance, and the referee stopped the fight due to a TKO, signalling a bright future for Van der Merwe in the organization.

JT Botha made a sensational comeback after a tough streak, and with a deadly right hand, he took out his opponent in just 39 seconds, marking a quick and dominant victory.

Terrence Born, also making his professional debut in the heavyweight division, had a spectacular first outing. He faced Jeremie Tshibala, and the fight was a spectacle from start to finish. Born won his pro debut via a rear-naked choke, earning a Technical Decision after the referee intervened, adding another promising prospect to the EFC roster.

Overall, EFC 120 lived up to its billing as a showcase of South African MMA, with exciting matchups, brutal finishes, and title fights that will be remembered for years to come. The event not only crowned new champions but also featured the rise of fresh talent, making it a thrilling night for MMA fans. With so many storylines in play, there's no doubt that the future of the EFC looks brighter than ever!

OFFICIAL EFC 120 RESULTS:

Main Card

WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Zaakir Badat def Luke Michael via Tapout due to rear naked Choke Round 1 (3:55)

LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Martin van Staden def Igeu Kabesa via Tapout due to Rear Naked Choke Round 2 (3:24)

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT

Shannon van Tonder def Musa Sethwape via Unanimous Decision after 3 rounds

FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT

Ken Sekeletu def Vince Bembe via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (3:50)

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT

Sibusiso Sovendle def Ntando Zondi via Split Decision after 3 rounds

Prelim Card

MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT

JT Botha def Khulekani Hlongwa via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (0:39)

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT

Moses Mokhari def Rian Dunn via TKO due to Strikes in Round 2 (1:10)

HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT

Terrence Born def Jeremie Tshibala via TKO due to Strikes in Round 2 (1:57)

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT

Thimna Mhlauli def David Mambo via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (3:19)

MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT

Jaden Van Der Merwe def Christopher Matukane via TKO due to Rear Naked Choke in Round 1 (2:40)

Photos from the EFC 120 Fight Night can be found here <https://efc.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/FIGHT-NIGHT/C0000lOeZLgXFZp8>

PERFORMANCE BONUSES:

Jaden van Der Merwe

Thimna Mhlauli

Moses Mokhari

JT Botha

Shannon Van Tonder

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT:

Zondi vs Sovendle

EFC 121 is presented by World Sports Betting and takes place on Thursday, 6 March 2025, live from the World Sports Betting EFC Arena in JHB, South Africa.

Broadcast information at www.efcworldwide.com <http://www.efcworldwide.com/>

About EFC – The Extreme Fighting Championship

Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, EFC is a world leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. EFC produces 10 live events annually. With over 200 athletes exclusively contracted to the organisation, EFC showcases the greatest warriors on the planet.

EFC events are broadcast in over 120 countries around the world on numerous television networks in multiple languages. EFC programming is available weekly in 600+ million TV households globally, making it one of the most recognisable MMA brands in the world.

For more information visit efcworldwide.com, or follow us on social media.

Facebook: facebook.com/EFCworldwide

Twitter: twitter.com/EFCworldwide

Instagram: Instagram.com/EFCWorldwide <http://instagram.com/EFCWorldwide>

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CHRISTMAS COLLISION OF COMBAT!

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