The final EFC weigh-ins of 2024 hit an intense crescendo at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena, where 20 athletes made their way to the scales. 

The atmosphere in the World Sports Betting Arena was electric with EFC 120 primed to be a showstopper, headlined by two high-stakes title fights that have fans eagerly counting down the hours. As the year’s final event, this card features a mix of long-standing champions and hungry contenders all vying for glory, setting the stage for a night that will leave no one disappointed. 

Middleweight champion Luke Michael is looking to make history as he steps down to challenge reigning Welterweight Champion Zaakir Badat. Michael, a relentless and dynamic striker, looked fired up and his intense stare-down with Badat was impossible to ignore. The Young Gun appeared laser-focused, while the champion Badat kept his composure, exuding respect and sportsmanship despite the rising tension. Badat’s calm demeanour, contrasted with Michael’s fiery determination, and makes for a fascinating buildup to their showdown in the Hex. Both athletes have the skills, but only one will walk away with the welterweight belt. 

The second title fight of the night features Igeu Kabesa, the EFC’s current double champion, as he puts his lightweight title on the line against former training partner Martin Van Staden. Kabesa, known for his elite grappling, dominant wrestling, and near-unstoppable pace, will face the well-rounded and gritty Van Staden, who recently made his long awaited return to the promotion after a long absence. 

Kabesa looked cool and composed at the scale, while Van Staden, visibly pumped, was ready to face his former teammate-turned-rival. Despite their friendly past, tomorrow night’s bout will be anything but cordial. Kabesa’s legacy is on the line, while Van Staden is out to prove that he can still hang with the best after his time away from the promotion. This fight promises to be an absolute banger, with both men knowing each other’s weaknesses inside and out. It’s a true clash of styles, with Kabesa’s elite ground game pitted against Van Staden’s striking and experience. Don’t be surprised if this bout becomes a Fight of the Night contender. 

The long-awaited clash between Musa “Bad News” Setwape and Shannon Van Tonder was initially scheduled a year ago but had to be postponed after Van Tonder faced some health issues.

 Tensions were at an all-time high during the weigh-ins, where Setwape, visibly frustrated by the delay, got right in Van Tonder’s face and had to be held back by Night Guard security, bringing the intensity to a boiling point. Adding fuel to the fire, Setwape was dubbed “Sad News” by Van Tonder at the press conference on Monday, which has only made the rivalry more personal. Setwape, who has been training relentlessly with his new gym Infinity MMA, is determined to prove a point. Meanwhile, Van Tonder is out to silence his critics and reclaim his spot among the top contenders. This bout promises fireworks from start to finish, with personal vendettas adding extra spice to what is already a must-watch matchup. 

While the main card is stacked, don’t sleep on the prelims, which are loaded with talent and sure to set the tone for the entire night. With a nearly all-South African line-up, the early bouts will feature well-known names eager to make a statement in their final appearances of the year. Expect an exciting mix of striking, grappling, and unrelenting aggression as these athletes fight for their spot on future cards. From the opening bell to the final title fight, EFC 120 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cards of the season. The mix of established champions, hungry challengers, and intense rivalries is bound to deliver on every level, with the promise of some unforgettable moments. 

EFC 120 is not just another event—it's a culmination of a year’s worth of anticipation and action. Be sure to catch the action live or on broadcast—you won’t want to miss this! 

Main Card 

WELTERWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT 

Zaakir Badat (SA) 168.5lbs vs. Luke Michael (SA) 169.8lbs 

LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT 

Igeu Kabesa (SA) 153.lbs vs. Martin van Staden (SA) 148.4lbs 

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT 

Shannon van Tonder (SA) 142.8lbs vs. Musa Sethwape (SA) 137.8 lbs 

FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT 

Ken Sekeletu (ZMB) 142.9lbs vs. Vince Bembe (SA) 143.2lbs 

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT 

Ntando Zondi (SA) 135.2lbs vs. Sibusiso Sovendle (SA) 135.1lbs Prelim Card 

MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT 

JT Botha (SA) 181.5lbs vs. Khulekani Hlongwa (SA) 184.2lbs 

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT 

Moses Mokhari (SA) 133.4lbs vs. Rian Dunn (SA) 133lbs 

HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT 

Jeremie Tshibala (DRC) 243.8lbs vs. Terrence Born (SA) 228lbs 

BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT 

David Mambo (DRC) 135.1lbs vs. Thimna Mhlauli (SA) 135.9lbs 

MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT 

Christopher Matukane (SA) 180.6lbs vs. Jaden Van Der Merwe (SA) 184.3lbs

Prelim bouts start at 16:00 CAT Main card bouts start at 19:00 CAT 

EFC 120: THE MOST ANTICIPATED MMA EVENT OF THE YEAR!

9 December 2024 Johannesburg, South Africa- With two Championship titles on the line and a stacked fight card, EFC 120 is set to end the 2024 combat sports calendar in dramatic fashion.

Current Middleweight champion Luke Michael will challenge Zaakir Badat for the welterweight title to secure his name in the history books with the likes of other double champ status elite members like Dricus du Plessis. Durban's grappling phenom Zaakir Badat goes head to head with Michael as he mounts his very first title defence in a main event that pitches his jiu-jitsu excellence against Michaels' dominant wrestling in a tantalising clash of grappling styles. That being said, both athletes boast of massive highlight reel knockouts having fists that can finish a bout in a millisecond. The stakes for both fighters have never been higher.

Current double champ Igeu"Smiley" Kabesa is set to defend one of his belts in a lightweight championship bout against the formidable Martin 'The Punisher" Van Staden, who recently made his eager return to the hex. This matchup carries a rich history that adds weight to its significance. Kabesa and Van Staden are not just two of the most accomplished fighters ever to come out of Africa - but they are also friends and former training partners. Their rivalry will now be ignited under the bright lights of the EFC hexagon, where camaraderie makes way for championship ambition. This matchup promises to be one of the most thrilling and emotionally charged fights in EFC history.

The drama surrounding Musa "Bad News" Sethwape and Shannon Van Tonder adds yet another layer of intrigue to this already stacked card. Last year, Van Tonder was forced to withdraw from their scheduled bantamweight title fight and rematch just a day before the event due to health issues. Sethwape, ever the warrior, agreed to face last-minute replacement Terence "Black Panther" Balelo, who went on to defeat Sethwape and claim the Bantamweight Championship. Having fought previously at the landmark EFC 100 event, which Sethwape won by the judge's decision, Van Tonder is out for revenge, but 'Bad News' still has his eyes on the ultimate prize and is eager to get back on track toward a future showdown with the current bantamweight champion, Faeez Jacobs. With their bad blood yet to be settled, the grudge match between Sethwape and Van Tonder is sure to deliver fireworks.

With a fight card featuring some of the best up-and-coming talent, EFC 120 will be a night full of explosive action, unexpected twists, and the crowning of new champions or the defence of titles by some of the greatest names in the history of African MMA. Mark your calendars for December 12, 2024,Whether you're watching from home or in the stands, this event will have something for every MMA fan. Don't miss your chance to witness history in the making!

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR EFC'S FIRST CONTENDER SERIES!

Excitement Builds as Africa's Top Amateur MMA Talent Prepares for Tomorrow's Historic Event

Johannesburg, South Africa – December 4, 2024 – The stage is set for the EFC Contender Series, an exciting new initiative designed to discover and showcase the best amateur MMA athletes from across Africa. The weigh-in for the highly anticipated event took place earlier today, as athletes made their final preparations for tomorrow's action-packed event.

This event provides a unique opportunity for rising MMA stars to compete for a coveted EFC professional contract. With a packed fight card of 10 bouts, the Contender Series promises to deliver high-intensity action as athletes look to impress EFC matchmakers and earn their place on the prestigious EFC roster.

As the leading MMA promotion on the African continent, EFC has long been known for discovering and developing the next generation of MMA superstars. Now, with the launch of the EFC Contender Series, the organisation is creating a direct pipeline for talented amateur athletes to transition into the professional ranks.

This is a major step forward for both EFC and the African MMA scene, said Graeme Cartmell, EFC's Vice President and Matchmaker. There is so much untapped talent out there, and we just don't get to see them all. The Contender Series is a perfect opportunity for us to find fresh talent and help them take the next step in their careers. We're not only looking for great fighters, but also the potential to build the next big stars of the sport—athletes who could follow in the footsteps of legends like Dricus Du Plessis and Cameron Saaiman.

The Contender Series is not just about giving athletes a chance to earn a contract—it's about giving them the tools, exposure, and matchmaking they need to succeed at the professional level. By showcasing these athletes in a professional setting, the EFC is ensuring they are prepared for the challenges that come with the pro circuit.

The EFC Contender Series will take place tomorrow, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the first bout scheduled for 17:00 PM & Main card starting at 19:00 (SAST)

Contender Series Weigh In Results

Main card

BANTAMWEIGHT

MFANAFUTHI NGOBESE 133.98lbs vs. BRANDON SANTOS 132,66lbs

MIDDLEWEIGHT

JODY KASONGO 182.05lbs vs. RUBEN FOURIE 182.16lbs

CATCHWEIGHT

JEREMIE LIKOBELE 154.77lbs vs. JETHRO SWAN 153.34lbs

BANTAMWEIGHT

QHAYIYA PEFILE 127.16lbs vs. SIPHO MLABA

CATCHWEIGHT

GRANT FARROW 167.8lbs vs. SEAN FROST 173.8lbs

Prelims

FEATHERWEIGHT

ASH ZOLA 145.09lbs vs. LITHA MADIKIZA 142.56lbs

HEAVYWEIGHT

EMMANUEL OKAFOR 246.84lbs vs. MBASA KHOSA 257.29lbs

WELTERWEIGHT

BOYKA BOTHA 168.96lbs vs. BAZ GUELAS 170.06lbs

FLYWEIGHT

SHERAZAAD DOLLIE 118.25lbs vs. NKULULEKO VILIKAZI 118.14lbs

CATCHWEIGHT

THAPELO MALATJIE 130.46lbs vs. DAVID CHAMPALI 123.53lbs

11 EFC CONTENDER SERIES – A PLATFORM FOR AFRICA'S NEXT MMA STARS



Johannesburg, South Africa 3 December 2024 – The EFC Contender Series, an event designed to showcase the brightest amateur MMA talent from across Africa, is set to take place on Thursday, December 5th, at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena. This unique event will give up-and-coming athletes the chance to compete for a coveted professional contract with the world-renowned EFC organisation.

The EFC Contender Series will feature a series of high-energy amateur bouts, with athletes battling for the opportunity to make the jump from amateur to professional MMA. Each competitor will step into the hex with one goal in mind: to impress EFC matchmakers and earn a spot on the prestigious EFC roster.

Broadcast live on efcworldwide.tv and with the best bouts to be featured in future TV episodes, The EFC Contender Series promises to be key in discovering the next generation of African MMA talent, providing a platform for athletes to display their skills and gain valuable exposure.

To kick off the excitement leading into EFC 120 on 12 December, a press conference featuring top EFC athletes Luke Michael, Igeu Kabesa, and Martin van Staden will follow shortly after the Contender Series. This will provide fans and media with a chance to hear directly from the stars ahead of the much-anticipated EFC 120 event.

Stay tuned for more updates and don't miss your chance to be part of this thrilling night of combat sports!