Terence Balelo showcased his undeniable skill and prowess in the Hexagon with a stunning first-round victory over his opponent via Guillotine Choke. Belgium-born Liridon Ramani, ranked #16 in the Pro Men’s Flyweight division in Europe Western, was left astounded after Balelo snapped-on the choke in the middle of a takedown. Despite accepting the challenge a mere five days prior, Ramani found himself outmatched by Balelo, underscoring the rising dominance of African MMA on the global stage. Balelo wasted no time in anticipating the eminent showdown with flyweight goat, Nkazimulo Zulu for a massive title-unification bout down the line.
The night also featured an electrifying showdown between Simbarashe Hokonya and Ayanda Zwane, captivating fans with Zwane’s playful showboating. In a closely contested match lasting three thrilling rounds, the judges ultimately awarded Hokonya a 29/28 victory thanks to the Zimbabwean’s more effective striking. ‘The Hawk’ then faced-off with the featherweight champion Igeu Kabesa as the packed-out crowd at the World Sports Betting Arena screamed in anticipation.
Returning fan favourite Peace Nguphane made short work of his Congolese foe, Jerry Kambata, and called out welterweight champion Zaakir Baadat for the Durbanite’s first title challenge. And another returning veteran, Hanru Botha making his first appearance in the Hexagon in over 6 years, put away his Angolan opponent Osvaldo Benedito with hellacious ground and pound to force the referees stoppage.
Headlining the preliminary bouts were the women’s strawweight clash between Felista Mugo and Aneesha Mayman, which ended abruptly as newcomer Mayman succumbed to Mugo’s relentless kickboxing offence. In her post-fight victory speech, the Kenyan called out Nicole van Wyk as her next desired opponent, determined to overturn her only loss in the Hex.
The battle between Willie Van Rooyen and Vuyo Jula proved to be a thrilling spectacle, with Jula clinging on as Van Rooyen secured victory through a relentless barrage of punches and to remain undefeated. The Preliminary bouts delivered non-stop excitement as four out of six matchups went the distance, with Mpho Hloka and Christian Omonkhobhio both finishing their fights in the first round, justifying a move up the cards for their next trips to the Hex.
OFFICIAL EFC RESULTS:
Main Card
INTERIM FLYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT
Terence Balelo def Liridon Ramani via Guillotine choke Round1 (4:25)
FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT
Simbarashe Hokonya def Ayanda Zwane after 3 Rounds by Unanimous Decision
WELTERWEIGHT FIGHT
Peace Ngupane def Jerry Kambata via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (4:51)
LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT
Hanru Botha def Osvaldo Benedito via TKO due to Strikes in Round 2 (2:09)
FLYWEIGHT FIGHT
Willie Van Rooyen def Vuyo Jula via TKO due def to Strikes in Round 2 (2:18)
Prelim Card
WOMEN’S STRAWWEIGHT FIGHT
Felista Mugo def Aneesha Mayman via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (2:06)
BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT
Thimna Mhlauli def Emerson Pedro after 3 Rounds by Unanimous Decision
CATCHWEIGHT FIGHT
Godknows def Ndlovu Kelvin Smit after 3 Rounds by Unanimous Decision
FLYWEIGHT FIGHT
Tebatso Molele def David Makane after 3 Rounds by Unanimous Decision
FEATHERWEIGHT FIGHT
Mpho Hloka def Caleb Ridley via TKO due to Strikes in Round 1 (4:45)
BANTAMWEIGHT FIGHT
Moses Mokhari def Lecture Gumbi after 3 Rounds by Unanimous Decision
CATCHWEIGHT FIGHT
Christian Omonkhobhio def Francois Cundari via Tap Out due to Guillotine Choke in Round 1 (2:46)
PERFORMANCE BONUSES:
Moses Mokhari
Tebatso Molele
Thimna Mhlauli
Felista Mugo
Willie Van Rooyen
Terence Balelo
FIGHT OF THE NIGHT:
Simbarashe Hokonya vs. Ayanda Zwane
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