FACEOFFS FIRE-UP FIGHT FANS
Official EFC 119 Weigh-ins
Johannesburg, 13 November 2024 – The atmosphere at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena was electric as 24 fighters took to the scales today ahead of tomorrow night's event. While tensions running high at the scale, every athlete successfully passed the governing body's muster and looked charged and ready for battle in what promises to be another truly unforgettable night of MMA action.
For fans of high-stakes action, the matchup between Kaleka Kabanda (6-7) and Patrick Ocheme (3-0) is a must-watch as it kicks-off the main card following a sensational set of preliminary bouts. World Sports Betting has Kabanda pegged as the clear favourite despite his hard-fought loss to Igeu Kabesa at EFC 112 where he nonetheless proved himself a formidable competitor and remains one to watch in the division. Ocheme, even though boasting of an undefeated perfect 3-0 record in the EFC is a massive WSB underdog. But the question remains: Can the rising star handle the experience and skill of a seasoned athlete like Kaleka "The Block" Kabanda? The outcome is anyone's guess.
The most heated moment of the weigh-ins came during the faceoff between interim flyweight champion Terence Black Panther Balelo and his challenger, Edson Trapdoor Spider Machavane. Balelo, known for his fiery yet enigmatic personality, attempted to rattle his opponent by getting in Machavane's face, but the undefeated Mozambican remained unshaken and unphased. The number 1 contender's calm demeanour only seemed to fuel the anticipation for their headlining title clash tomorrow night. With both fighters on the right side of the needle, the tension between the two promises to deliver fireworks in the Hexagon in one of the most hotly-anticipated championship clashes of the year.
With the women's bantamweight title fight occupying the co-main event, Pretorian Dayne "Quiet Storm" Van Wyk made a calm and composed appearance on the scales, looking focused and ready for her fight against Nigeria's knock-out artist Juliet Chukwu. Chukwu, similarly, weighed-in with a stoic calmness and both women appeared determined and prepared for the battle that awaits them tomorrow night.
Shadrack Nsua faced off against the undefeated Siya "The Chef" Nomvemve in what promises to be an intriguing clash of styles. Mpumalanga's Nomvemve, with a flawless 3-0 record in the EFC, enters the fight with momentum and confidence, but Gqeberha's giant Nsua is no stranger to high-level competition and will bring his wealth of experience to the Hex.
Another exciting fight on the card which is one of four Nigeria versus Congo clashes, sees Horatious Alonu take on Ziko The Gorilla Makengela. Alonu, a methodical and focused athlete, appeared sharp and ready as he hit the scales. Makengela, who's returning to the EFC after a year-long hiatus following his welterweight title loss to now teammate Mark Hulme (CIT), looked equally prepared. Makengela is eager to climb the rankings once again, eyeing a potential title shot after the champion is decided at EFC 120 next month.
With all 24 athletes making weight and ready for action, EFC 119 is shaping up to be a spectacular event courtesy of a card that features a compelling mix of top contenders, undefeated rising stars, and established veterans, all hungry for victory. As the athletes step into the hexagon tomorrow night, the energy in the arena will undoubtedly reach a fever pitch. So expect fireworks, as these warriors leave it all on the line for glory, title shots, and the chance to make their mark on the EFC stage. The Hex lights are set, the athletes are ready, and EFC 119 is poised to deliver a night of sensational MMA action.
Main Card
FLYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
Terence Balelo (SA) 124.7lbs vs. Edson Machavane (SA) 123.3lbs
WOMEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
Dayne Van Wyk (SA) 132.8lbs vs. Juliet Chukwu (NGA) 132.5lbs
MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT
Shadrack Nsua (DRC) 183.9lbs vs. Siyakudumisa Nomvemve (SA) 184.6lbs
WELTERWEIGHT FIGHT
Horatious Alonu (NGA) 168.8lbs vs. Ziko Makengele (DRC) 167.4lbs
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
Kaleka Kabanda (DRC) 155 lbs vs. Patrick Ocheme (NGA) 154.8lbs
Prelim Card
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
Adrian Sanchez (SA) 153.8lbs vs. Elvis Ngwalangwala (SA) 154.3lbs
WELTERWEIGHT FIGHT
British Boloyoang (SA) 168.5lbs vs. Christian Omokhobio (NGA) 167.4lbs
FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT
Tapiwa Katikati (SA) 144.7lbs vs. Nerik simoes (AGO) 143.4lbs
BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT
Moses Mokhari (SA) 134lbs vs. Roevan De Beer (SA) 134.4lbs
FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT
Allistar Kunene (SA) 144.8lbs vs. Yaseen Adams (SA) 144.8lbs
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
William Lekana (DRC) 152 lbs vs. Roberto Miyaba (DRC) 152lbs
BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT
Vincent Nakana (SA) 132.8 lbs vs. Thapelo Seabi (SA) 133.4lbs