MAIN CARD BOUTS
EFC Contender Series Returns

Promising Another Action-Packed Showdown of Africa's Top MMA Talent


Johannesburg, South Africa – March 19, 2025 – The stage is set for the highly anticipated second installment of the EFC Contender Series, where Africa's most promising amateur MMA athletes will once again step into the spotlight in hopes of securing a coveted EFC professional contract. The ceremonial weigh-in and face-offs for tomorrow's event took place earlier today, with fighters making their final preparations for an action-packed day of competition.
This event serves as a prime opportunity for rising MMA stars to showcase their skills in front of EFC matchmakers and fans alike, with a packed fight card of 12 thrilling bouts set to deliver high-intensity action. The Contender Series will provide a platform for these athletes to demonstrate why they deserve a place on the prestigious EFC roster.

As Africa's leading MMA promotion, EFC has long been known for identifying and developing the next wave of MMA talent. With the launch of the Contender Series, EFC is reinforcing its commitment to building a direct pathway for talented amateur fighters to transition into the professional ranks.

"This series is an incredible chance to spotlight some of the most talented athletes across the continent," said Graeme Cartmell, EFC Vice President and Matchmaker. "We've already seen tremendous potential in the first series, and we're excited to witness the new talent stepping up tomorrow. Our goal is not just to find skilled fighters, but to help nurture the next generation of stars who will represent African MMA on the global stage. We want to give these athletes the opportunity to grow and potentially follow in the footsteps of former EFC champions like Dricus Du Plessis, Manon Fiorot, Dalcha Lungiambula and Garreth McLellan."

The Contender Series isn't only about offering fighters a chance to secure a contract; it's about providing them with the experience, exposure, and opportunities to succeed at the highest level of competition. By putting these athletes in a professional environment, EFC ensures they are prepared for the challenges they will face as professionals.



EFC Contender Series 2 Ceremonial Weigh-in results (The guidelines for amateur MMA athletes competing at the EFC Contender Series restricts them from cutting weight and athletes weights have been checked daily prior to their bout)
Watch weigh-ins here: https://www.youtube.com/live/Y_2qP1oX_UY?si=DJVHReVLzWPgiyb2


MAIN CARD BOUTS

CATCHWEIGHT 143lbs
Mika Ngomane 140.8lbs vs. Hlompho Phomodi (TBC)

CATCHWEIGHT 162.8lbs
Sebastian Ferreira 162.1lbs vs. Jethro Swan 161.1lbs

MIDDLEWEIGHT 184.8lbs
Grant Farrow 180.6lbs vs. Sam Mbhele 185lbs

CATCHWEIGHT 138.6lbs
Joel Smit 136.3lbs vs. Coenie Lamprecht 137.3lbs

CATCHWEIGHT 158.4lbs
Jeremie Likobele 164.4lbs vs. Ignacious Nkomo (TBC)


PRELIM BOUTS

CATCHWEIGHT 147.4lbs
JJ Karagiannidis 149.4lbs vs. Bryn Gwavava 148.9lbs

HEAVYWEIGHT 264lbs
Frederik Eloff 216lbs vs. Mbasa Khosa (TBC)

WOMEN'S FLYWEIGHT 125.4lbs
Linda Baraza 122.4lbs vs. Bianca Campher (TBC)

FEATHERWEIGHT 145.2lbs
Litha Madikiza 148lbs vs. PJ Meissenheimer 139.7lbs

BANTAMWEIGHT 134.2lbs
Thapelo Rasta Malatjie 134.1lbs vs. Sanele Shabalala 132.9lbs

BANTAMWEIGHT 134.2lbs
Sherazaad Dollie 137.2lbs vs. Kwaanza Zondo 134lbs

CATCHWEIGHT 149.6lbs
Luke Ackers 149lbs vs. Bruce Mayasi 149.1lbs


The EFC Contender Series takes place Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the first bout scheduled for 3:00 PM (SAST)
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1
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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2
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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3
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!  

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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4
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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