July 2 @ 2:00 pm – 11:00 pm
The countdown to EFC 135 is underway, with one of the most exciting fight cards of the year set to take place on Thursday, 2 July, at the WSB EFC Arena in Johannesburg. Headlined by the bantamweight championship showdown between Faeez Jacobs and Gift Walker, the event promises a thrilling showcase of elite talent and emerging stars from across the African continent.
The title rivals recently came face-to-face inside the Hexagon at EFC 134, setting the stage for a highly anticipated championship encounter. However, the action extends far beyond the main event, with a stacked card featuring experienced contenders, undefeated prospects, international talent, and several professional debuts.
One of the standout bouts on the main card sees veteran lightweight contender Kaleka Kabanda face surging prospect Emmanuel Sita. Sita has been unstoppable since moving up in weight, securing three consecutive first-round finishes and now facing his toughest challenge yet in the battle-hardened Kabanda.
The women’s strawweight division also returns to centre stage as former title challenger Jessica Mouneimne takes on aggressive finisher Nicole van Wyk. Mouneimne is seeking another route back to title contention after previously challenging for EFC gold, while Van Wyk enters the contest riding momentum following an impressive stoppage victory.
Elsewhere, Eduardo Barros and Mlungisi Mbizane meet in a pivotal bantamweight clash with significant implications for the division’s future. Both athletes are determined to bounce back from recent setbacks and reignite their championship ambitions.
Rounding out the featured bouts is an intriguing catchweight contest between rising prospect Jayden van der Merwe and experienced campaigner Roy Lokolo. Van der Merwe has become one of EFC’s most exciting young talents, finishing all of his victories in the opening round, but Lokolo could prove to be his sternest test to date.
The preliminary card is equally compelling. South Africa’s Moses Mokhari takes on unbeaten Zimbabwean Bryn Gwavava in a key bantamweight showdown, while undefeated featherweight Yaseen Adams meets experienced Zimbabwean veteran Guide Moyo.
The event will also feature the highly anticipated professional debut of IMMAF World Champion Charmaine Venter, who faces Nepal’s Anisha Khadka in the women’s featherweight division. Other exciting undercard matchups include Nerik Simoes vs Ayanda Zwane, Mfanafuthi Ngobese vs Salahuddin Plaatjies, and the EFC debut of unbeaten Angolan prospect Clelio Diogo against Nicolaas Vermaak.
With championship gold on the line, international rivalries, undefeated records, and the next generation of African MMA talent all on display, EFC 135 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events on the EFC calendar.
EFC 135 Fight Night – Thursday, 2 July
📍 WSB EFC Arena, Johannesburg, South Africa
🕒 Preliminary Card: 15:00 (Live on Discovery Sport)
🕖 Main Card: 19:00 (Live on SuperSport, SABC Openview, DAZN and international broadcast partners)
Broadcast and ticket information is available at efcworldwide.com.
