Badat Makes Sensational Comeback at EFC 133
EFC 133 delivered one of the most unforgettable nights in African MMA history as reigning welterweight champion Zaakir Badat produced a stunning comeback victory against former champion Ziko Makengele in Johannesburg.
Presented by World Sports Betting, the event combined championship drama, emotional moments, and highlight-reel finishes inside the EFC Hexagon, leaving fans with a fight card that will be remembered for years to come.
Badat Survives Early Storm to Retain Title
The main event between Badat and Makengele quickly turned into an instant classic.
Makengele exploded out of the gates in the opening round, overwhelming the champion with relentless forward pressure, heavy strikes, and strong takedown defence. Badat absorbed significant punishment as Makengele appeared determined to reclaim the welterweight title in dominant fashion.
The second round continued in similar fashion, with Makengele increasing the intensity and looking close to securing a stoppage victory.
But Badat refused to fold.
In a dramatic momentum swing, the champion landed a crushing left hook followed immediately by a devastating uppercut that dropped Makengele to the canvas. Sensing the finish, Badat unleashed a barrage of unanswered strikes, forcing referee Wiekus Swart to stop the contest.
The spectacular turnaround instantly became one of the most memorable finishes ever seen in EFC history and further elevated Badat’s growing status as one of African MMA’s elite athletes.
Yemba and Pedro Shine on Main Card
Earlier in the evening, Chadrack Yemba made a massive statement in the featherweight division with an emphatic second-round TKO victory over Hanru Botha. The performance likely places Yemba firmly in future title contention after proving he belongs among the division’s top competitors.
Emerson Pedro also electrified the crowd with one of the standout moments of the night. His spinning heel kick knockout against Sibusiso Sovendle sent the arena into celebration and immediately established itself as a contender for knockout of the year.
Emotional Battles on the Preliminary Card
The preliminary card delivered several hard-fought battles, including an emotional showdown between Moses Mokhari and Musa Sethwape.
Sethwape stepped into the Hexagon despite dealing with a tragic personal loss during fight week, earning respect throughout the MMA community for his courage and professionalism under incredibly difficult circumstances.
The prelims also featured impressive finishes from Grant Farrow and Siyanda Vilakazi, both securing rear naked choke submissions to announce themselves in style.
Official EFC 133 Results
Main Event
- Zaakir Badat def. Ziko Makengele via TKO (Strikes) – Round 2, 2:42
Main Card
Chadrack Yemba def. Hanru Botha via TKO (Strikes) – Round 2, 0:26
Brandon Santos def. Lihle Ngamntwini via Unanimous Decision
Godknows Ndlovu def. Roevan De Beer via Unanimous Decision
Emerson Pedro def. Sibusiso Sovendle via KO (Spinning Heel Kick) – Round 2, 1:15
Preliminary Card
Ayanda Zwane def. Sizwe Mnikathi via Unanimous Decision
Moses Mokhari def. Musa Sethwape via Unanimous Decision
Grant Farrow def. Itumeleng Mabilo via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 1:45
Ash Zola def. David Mambo via Unanimous Decision
Zeca Martinho def. Philani Ngqoyiya via Unanimous Decision
Siyanda Vilakazi def. Tyral Louw via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 1:17
Performance Bonuses
Fight of the Night
- Zaakir Badat vs Ziko Makengele
Performance Bonuses
- Chadrack Yemba
- Emerson Pedro
- Moses Mokhari
A Landmark Night for African MMA
From dramatic championship action to spectacular knockouts and emotional performances, EFC 133 showcased the continued rise of African MMA on the global stage.
With Badat’s incredible comeback now etched into EFC history, the event reinforced the organisation’s reputation for producing world-class talent and unforgettable fight nights.
