NIGHT OF KNOCKOUTS DELIVERS THRILLINGJohannesburg, South Africa – 14 November 2024 – EFC 119 was a packed night.
With memorable knockouts, fierce competition, and dramatic upsets. The packed crowd witnessed jaw-dropping performances, with three explosive knockouts and newcomers making their mark against seasoned veterans.
Although the tension was palpable, there was also an incredible show of sportsmanship between Terence Balelo and Edson Machavane in their battle for the EFC Flyweight Championship. Both athletes showcased their striking skills in an intense five-round affair that had fans on the edge of their seats. The fight was an extremely close call, with spectators left astonished about the outcome until the very end. Ultimately, it was Edson Machavane who emerged victorious, with a split decision in his favour, crowning him the new EFC Flyweight Champion. EFC Matchmaker at the post-event press conference immediately offered Balelo a rematch.
The co-main event saw the EFC Women's Bantamweight Championship on the line, where Juliet Chukwu emerged as the new champion in a fight that again, went the full five rounds. Despite the relentless pressure from Dayne Quiet Storm Van Wyk, Chukwu kept her composure throughout, maintaining a cool and determined stance. Her striking precision and well-timed counter attacks earned her a unanimous decision victory, securing her place as the new EFC Bantamweight Champion and making history in Nigerian MMA.
In another anticipated match-up, Shadrack Nsua defeated the previously undefeated Siya The Chef Nomvemve. Though Nomvemve appeared to have control throughout the first two rounds, the seasoned Nsua used his experience to turn the tide in the final round, outworking the younger athlete and winning via unanimous decision. Nomvemve's frustration was clear, but it was Nsua's resilience and tactical approach that made the difference in this high-stakes matchup, opening the playing field for him to challenge Luke Michael in 2025.
Another show-stopping performance came from Horatious Alonu, who faced the highly touted and former champion, Ziko The Gorilla Makengela. The bout was a tactical battle, with Alonu remaining calm, focused, and patient. But in the final round, Alonu delivered a crushing knockout, effectively ending Makengele's dreams of another title shot next year. The win solidified Alonu's place as a force to be reckoned with in the division in a great night for the Nigerian contingent. Alonu is now the number one contender to face the next Welterweight Champion, to be decided at EFC 120 where Zaakir Badat takes on Luke Michael.
In one of the most shocking moments of the night, Patrick Ocheme defeated the heavily favored Kaleka Kabanda with a stunning knockout in the first round. Kabanda, who had been considered the favorite by World Sports Betting odds, was left stunned as Ocheme, undefeated in the EFC, made a statement with his lightning-fast hands, finishing fight with a series of powerful combos. Ocheme's knockout demonstrated once again that in the world of EFC, anything can happen. Kaleka "Block" Kabanda disputed referee Ferdi Basson's decision to call and stop to the bout as he tried to proceed with the fight.
Perhaps the most memorable moment of the night came from Durbanite British Boloyoang, who delivered a picture-perfect KO of Christian Omokhobio. The highlight-reel finish not only secured Boloyoang's victory but also turned heads as the athlete continues to build his legacy within the promotion. Fans are now eagerly awaiting to see what comes next for this rising star.
With three championship titles on the line next month at EFC 120, the road to the top has never been more exciting and Africans greatest combat sports promotion finishes a record-breaking year with its biggest fight card yet!
OFFICIAL EFC 119 RESULTS:
Main Card
FLYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
Edson Machavane def Terence Balelo by Split Decision after 5 Rounds
WOMEN'S BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
Juliet Chukwu def Dayne Van Wyk by Unanimous Decision after 5 Rounds
MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT
Shadrack Nsua def Siyaku Dumisa Nomvemve by Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds
WELTERWEIGHT FIGHT
Horatius Ndidi Alonu def Ziko Makengele via Knockout in Round 3 (0:58)
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
Patrick Ocheme def Kaleka Kabanda via Knockout in Round 1 (1:49)
Prelim Card
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
Adrian Sanchez def Elvis Ngwalangwala via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (3:21)
WELTERWEIGHT FIGHT
British Boloyoang def Christian Omokhobio via Knockout in Round 2 (1:20)
FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT
Nerik Simoes def Tapiwa Katikati by Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds
BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT
Mokhari def Roevan De Beer via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (1:46)
FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT
Yaseen Adams def Allistar Kunene via TKO due to Strikes in Round 2 (1:38)
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
Roberto Miyaba def William Lekana via Rear Naked Choke in Round 2 (4:26)
BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT
Thapelo Seabi def Vincent Nakana by Unanimous Decision after 3 Rounds
Photos from the EFC 119 Fight Night can be found here
PERFORMANCE BONUSES:
Patrick Ocheme
Horatius Ndidi Alonu
Yaseen Adams
British Boloyoang
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT:
Terence Balelo vs. Edson Machavane
