EFC 123 AFRICA VS BRAZIL
FINAL BOUTS CONFIRMED AHEAD OF TRIPLE TITLE HEADLINERS
Johannesburg, South Africa – The final bouts for EFC 123: Africa vs Brazil have been confirmed, adding even more firepower to an already stacked card. With three titles on the line at the top of the event, these final matchups round off what promises to be a historic night at the World Sports Betting Arena.

Zhane Tannous vs. Mark Kamba – Prelim bout
One of the continent’s brightest amateur stars finally steps into the professional spotlight, as Zhane Tannous makes his long-awaited debut in the Hexagon. A multipletitle winner at the amateur level, Tannous is a proud graduate of NWU with a degree in Business and Economics and a technical specialist under submission coach Roevan de Beer at CGA in Potchefstroom. Known for his slick transitions and calm composure, Tannous has shown he can finish fights with precision — whether standing or on the ground.

Welcoming him to the professional ranks is none other than Congolese juggernaut Mark “Batolo Bacharge” Kamba, a fan favourite with hands that have ended more than a few dreams. With nine years of EFC experience, Kamba is riding the wave of a stunning first-round KO of Jaden van der Merwe, following previous brutal finishes of Elvis Ngwalangwala and Tyron Bester. Tannous may be new to the pro scene, but he’s no greenhorn — and this middleweight battle is a collision of hunger and heavy artillery.

Terence Balelo vs. Marcio Oliveira – Main card bout
The Hex welcomes an international flyweight showdown as South Africa’s own Terence “Black Panther” Balelo takes on Brazil’s Marcio “Sayajin” Oliveira.

Fresh off a hard-fought campaign as number one contender, Balelo finds himself at a career crossroads. With the recent departure of flyweight champion Edson to ONE FC, many expected Balelo to wait for a title shot — but instead, the warrior’s mentality prevailed. Choosing to stay active and test himself against the best Brazil has to offer, Balelo now faces a dangerous challenge in Oliveira.

With a 7-2 record and an impressive submission arsenal, Oliveira is a proud representative of Itacoatiara, Amazonas. His well-rounded game and finishing instinct make him a formidable opponent in the Hexagon. For Balelo, it’s not just about proving he belongs at the top — it’s about earning it all over again.

A Night of Titles, Nations, and Legacy
EFC 123 is anchored by three explosive championship clashes, including:
• Amanda Lino vs. Mariana Salles for the vacant women’s flyweight title
• JC Lamprecht vs. Luis Paulo Picanço in a brutal light heavyweight showdown
• Willie van Rooyen vs. Kleberson Sousa for the vacant flyweight belt
Africa’s finest meet Brazil’s best in a battle of nations, generations, and rising legacies.
EFC 123 Africa vs Brazil takes place on Thursday 8th May 2025, live from the World
Sports Betting Arena at the EFC Performance Institute in JHB, South Africa.

1 April 2025

MADNESS RETURNS TO FACE THE HUMBLE WARRIOR

EFC 123 TO SEE ELS VS SITA IN EXPLOSIVE LIGHTWEIGHT SHOWDOWN

Johannesburg, South Africa – On the cusp of EFC 122, the EFC (Extreme Fighting Championship) is gearing up for another action-packed event at the World Sports Betting Arena. The next event, EFC 123 is confirmed to feature two electrifying lightweight fighters, Marcel Els and Emmanuel Sita, who are set to collide in a thrilling bout that is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats.

After a five-year hiatus from the Hexagon, Marcel "Madness" Els is eager to remind fans of his exciting, high-octane fighting style. Known for his explosive finishes, Els has made quick work of opponents such as Nerik Simoes, Amisi Kabeya, and Rocky Ilunga, consistently delivering one-punch knockouts and thrilling submissions. Fighting out of the House of Tinkerbell, Els is renowned for his aggressive approach and desire to finish the fight early, and he's ready to bring the heat once again.

However, he faces a formidable challenge in Emmanuel "The Humble Warrior" Sita, a Claremont-based striker whose career has been defined by his penchant for first-round finishes. With all of his victories coming in the opening round, Sita is a dangerous competitor who has shown time and again that he's capable of ending a fight in the blink of an eye. Coming off a hard-fought battle against Ayanda Zwane, which ended in a thrilling firefight, Sita has taken the time to reset and is now hungry for a victory to solidify his place among the division's best.

Both fighters are known for their ruthless aggression and desire to finish fights quickly, making this matchup a can't-miss spectacle for fans of explosive, high-intensity action. With both men determined to prove they belong at the top of the lightweight division, this fight is sure to deliver fireworks inside the Hexagon.

EFC 123 takes place on Thursday 8th May 2025, live from the World Sports Betting Arena at the EFC Performance Institute in JHB, South Africa.

2 WEEKS TO GO!

28 March 2025

EFC 122 heavyweight and bantamweight championship fight card is STACKED with returning fan-favourites and rising contenders.

The Hlongwa brothers are back to bring their signature fire, and after a long-awaited return, Asiashu Tshitamba is ready to make a statement! Meanwhile, momentum is everything in the fight game, and athletes like Adrian Sanchez, Nathanieal Komana, and Thimna Mhauli - who's been tearing through his division - are all riding winning streaks into battle.

And that's just the beginning…

Stay locked in, because EFC 122 is shaping up to be an unmissable event!

NEW TALENTS EMERGE IN AFRICAN MMA

20 MARCH 2025

Johannesburg, South Africa – March 20, 2025 - The second season of the EFC Contender Series has concluded, delivering yet another exciting chapter in the rise of African mixed martial arts. The event showcased a diverse and highly skilled group of fighters who battled for the chance to earn a professional contract with EFC. As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the future of African MMA is bright, with many rising stars making their mark. After an intense night of competition, Coenie Lamprecht, Linda Baraza, and Litha Madikiza were each awarded EFC contracts, earning their opportunity to compete at the highest level.

The Main Card featured thrilling bouts across several divisions. Fighters demonstrated exceptional skill, heart, and determination, proving that the Contender Series is the perfect platform for discovering the next generation of MMA talent.

In addition to the main card action, the Prelim Bouts featured fierce competition, with fighters from various weight classes displaying their unique fighting styles and athleticism. The event once again demonstrated the depth of talent emerging from across the African continent.

As the evening wrapped up, it was clear that the EFC Contender Series continues to serve as a crucial pathway for aspiring fighters to break into the global MMA scene. With a focus on discovering and developing African talent, EFC is committed to providing opportunities for fighters to progress in their careers and make their mark on the world stage.

EFC Contender Series Season 2 Final Results:

MAIN CARD BOUTS

CATCHWEIGHT 143lbs
Mika Ngomane defeated Hlompho Phomodi via split decision after 3 rounds

CATCHWEIGHT 162.8lbs
Sebastian Ferreira defeated Jethro Swan via rear naked choke in round 2 (1:57)

MIDDLEWEIGHT 184.8lbs
Grant Farrow defeated Sam Mbhele via unanimous decision after 3 rounds

CATCHWEIGHT 138.6lbs
Coenie Lamprecht defeated Joel Smit via Anaconda in round 1 (2:10)

PRELIM BOUTS

CATCHWEIGHT 147.4lbs
JJ Karagiannidis defeated Bryn Gwavava via unanimous decision after 3 rounds

HEAVYWEIGHT 264lbs
Frederik Eloff defeated Mbasa Khosa via unanimous decision after 3 rounds

WOMEN'S FLYWEIGHT 125.4lbs
Linda Baraza defeated Bianca Campher via armbar in round 2 (2:57)

FEATHERWEIGHT 145.2lbs
Litha Madikiza defeated PJ Meissenheimer via unanimous decision after 3 rounds

BANTAMWEIGHT 134.2lbs
Sanele Shabalala defeated Thapelo Malatjie via majority decision after 3 rounds.

BANTAMWEIGHT 134.2lbs
Kwaanza Zondo defeated Sherazaad Dollie via Rear Naked Choke in Round 1 (2:07)

CATCHWEIGHT 149.6lbs
Bruce Mayasi defeated Luke Ackers via TKO in Round 3 (2:01)