The inaugural EFC Knox Legacy Series delivered an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts as EFC 131 lit up the GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town. With a sold-out crowd and a stacked fight card, fans were treated to a high-intensity showcase that crowned new champions and celebrated elite combat sports talent.
In the headline bout, Diego Bandu rose to the occasion, dethroning Luke Michael via a third-round TKO to claim the EFC Middleweight Championship. The victory marked a defining moment in Bandu’s career, cementing his place among the promotion’s elite fighters.
The atmosphere reached fever pitch as UFC star Dricus du Plessis and Geordin Hill-Lewis were welcomed with thunderous applause, adding star power to an already electric evening.
Faeez Jacobs successfully defended his bantamweight title in dramatic fashion, stopping Trent Thomas Girdham in the third round. Meanwhile, Adrian Sanchez showcased his dominance over five rounds to secure the Interim Lightweight Championship with a unanimous decision win against Jeferson Pereira.
In another tightly contested battle, Tumelo Manyamala edged Ntando Zondi via split decision to capture the EFC Flyweight Championship, further highlighting the night’s theme of new beginnings and rising champions.
The undercard delivered equally thrilling performances. Jason Mackay scored a spectacular first-round knockout, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus, while Terrence Born, Khulekani Hlongwa, and Emmanuel Sita all secured rapid finishes in impressive fashion.
Brazilian fighters demonstrated their trademark resilience throughout the event, but it was the energy of the Cape Town crowd that elevated the night into a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Official Results Highlights:
Diego Bandu def. Luke Michael – TKO (Round 3) – New Middleweight Champion
Faeez Jacobs def. Trent Girdham – TKO (Round 3) – Still Bantamweight Champion
Adrian Sanchez def. Jeferson Pereira – Unanimous Decision – New Interim Lightweight Champion
Tumelo Manyamala def. Ntando Zondi – Split Decision – New Flyweight Champion
Bonus Awards:
- Fight of the Night: Kleberson Sousa vs Terence Balelo
- Performance of the Night: Jason Mackay, Jaden van der Merwe, Terrence Born, Adrian Sanchez, Diego Bandu
- Additional Recognition: Jeferson Pereira
Proudly presented by KNOX Hydrate in partnership with the City of Cape Town and World Sports Betting, the EFC Knox Legacy Series has set a new benchmark for MMA events in South Africa.
