Billy Oosthuizen emerged as the interim EFC featherweight champion in a controversial disqualification victory over Ken Sekeletu on Thursday night at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena, thrilling a sold-out crowd with a fight that ended abruptly at 00:04:06 of the third round.

Oosthuizen, the only fighter eligible for the belt after the reigning champion missed weight earlier in the week, weathered an early onslaught from Sekeletu before the referee halted the bout due to repeated illegal strikes to the back of Oosthuizen’s head. The 29-year-old’s resilience paid off, earning him the interim title in a thrilling contest.

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The main card showed us Siyakudumisa Nomvemve outlasting JT Botha in a gritty unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28), a back-and-forth affair that earned Fight of the Night honours. Nomvemve’s relentless pressure and takedown defense proved the difference over three rounds.

Ayanda Zwane edged out Roberto Miyaba in a razor-close featherweight bout, securing a split decision (30-27, 30-27, 28-29) with superior striking volume that kept the crowd buzzing until the final bell.

Early finishes electrified the evening. Brandon Santos locked in a slick triangle choke to submit Kgaugelo Moitshela at 00:03:19 of the first round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus.

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William Lekana followed with a devastating TKO (strikes) over Nicolaas Vermaak at 00:04:00 of the opening frame, extending his knockout streak and pocketing another bonus.

Yaseen Adams rounded out the awards, dominating Rudolf Sekhukhune with a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) through superior grappling.

The 11-fight card also saw Mpho Hloka defeat Ash Zola by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Jaden van der Merwe stop Willem Smith via TKO (strikes) at 00:01:08 of the first round, Lecture Gumbi outpoint Story Mpia Embombe by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27), Zeca Martinho edge Sisa Jungula via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29), and Thierry Bahati finish Stefan Diedericks with a TKO (strikes) at 00:00:58 of the second round.

EFC 128 cemented the promotion’s solidity in South African MMA, with the electric atmosphere underscoring its passionate fanbase. Attention now shifts to EFC 129 on November 6, where Willie van Rooyen and Tumelo Manyamala battle for flyweight supremacy.

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