EFC 126 delivered a night of highlight-reel finishes, explosive performances, and a main event that cemented Willie van Rooyen as one of the most dominant forces in African MMA. Fighting in front of an electric crowd at the WSB EFC Arena, the reigning Flyweight Champion showcased his trademark speed, precision, and composure, submitting dangerous Moldovan challenger Anatolie Gafin in the first round via rear-naked choke.
Van Rooyen’s latest victory further fuels speculation that the Pretoria-based star could soon follow the path of former EFC double-division champion Dricus du Plessis, transitioning from EFC dominance to the global MMA stage.
A Card Stacked with Finishes
EFC 126 treated fans to an action-packed night where submissions and knockouts came in rapid succession:
- Willie van Rooyen def. Anatolie Gafin – Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Rd 1, 2:04
- Ntando Zondi def. Kgaugelo Moitshela – TKO (Strikes), Rd 2, 0:51
- Gift Walker def. Sibusiso Sovendle – Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Rd 2, 1:45
- Ziko Makengele def. Wallace Okosso – TKO (Strikes), Rd 1, 3:14
- Zhane Tannous def. Stefan Booysen – KO, Rd 1, 0:14
- Moses Mokhari def. Lucky Magekha – Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Rd 1, 3:01
- Jesse Schaper def. Tshepo Majuba – Submission (Armbar), Rd 2, 2:11
- Roberto Miyaba def. Rudolf Sekhukhune – Unanimous Decision
- Vuyo Jula def. Siyanda Vilakazi – Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Rd 1, 2:49
- Ash Zola def. Veja Hinda – Unanimous Decision
Bonus Awards
- Fight of the Night: Moses Mokhari vs. Lucky Magekha
- Performance Bonuses: Zhane Tannous, Gift Walker, Willie van Rooyen
Looking Ahead
With EFC 126 in the books, international attention now turns to Dricus du Plessis, who will defend his UFC Middleweight title in Chicago. Back home, anticipation builds for EFC 127 on 11 September 2025, featuring the grudge match between heavyweight champion Elvis Moyo and former titleholder ‘HHH’ Djikasa. With bad blood between the two camps, this showdown promises fireworks as Moyo looks to defend both his MMA and African Heavyweight Boxing dominance.
EFC continues to showcase Africa’s finest combat athletes, raising the sport’s profile and pushing fighters toward world championship glory.
