Oosthuizen’s rise to stardom takes a blow with latest loss

EFC returned on May 8 after a 14-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus with explosive action from start to end.

Hosted at the EFC Performance Institute in Sandton without fans but with millions watching on TV across Africa, the continent’s leading MMA promotion did not disappoint.
Boksburg trainee Billy Oosthuizen (24) was dealt a big blow on his future title hopes when his opponent and 18-year-old Cameron Saaiman caused an upset with a win in round two.
Saaiman, who entered the bantamweight duel with just two wins from as many tries, defeated his more fancied opponent just after two minutes of the second round via submission.
The more experienced Oosthuizen entered the bout with a 4-3 record.

However, not all was lost for the local striker after receiving performance bonuses with their bout being named the Fight of the Night.

Sylvester Chipfumbu wrestled the bantamweight title away from Faeez Jacobs in sensational fashion over five rounds to become the new king of the division. Their gruelling war also qualified the two for performance bonuses.

“As I said before, once I put my hand on the belt, no one is going take it from me,” shouted Chipfumbu on the mic after winning.

Meanwhile, former featherweight champion, Boyd Allen, made an impressive return to form to claim a dominant win and throw his name back into title contention.
Diego Bandu was also rewarded with a performance bonus for his spectacular KO finish to beat Stefan Pretorius.

Official EFC 85 results:

Zika Magengele defeated JT Botha 2:11 in round 2 via TKO (Punches).
Ceileigh Niedermayr defeated Christine Wolmarans 3:36 in round 2 via submission (Rear naked choke).
Cameron Saaiman defeated Billy Oosthuizen 2:05 in round 2 via submission (RNC).
Cole Henning defeated Serge Kasanda unanimous decision.
Diego Bandu defeated Stefan Pretorius 4:39 in round 1 via KO (Punch).
Nerik Simoes defeated Claude Ntumba 1:35 in round 1 via TKO (Punches).
Sindile Manengela defeated Asiashu Tshitamba via a unanimous decision.
Nkazimulo Zulu defeated Fafa Dwama 3:00 in round 2 via submission (Triangle choke).
Martin Van Staden defeated Pietie Coxen 1:18 in round 1 via submission (RNC).
Boyd Allen defeated Bruno Mukulu via a unanimous decision.

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