Former champion storms back with first-round finish to earn title shot
Boyd Allen announced his return in explosive style, stopping Vince Bembe in round 1 to book a blockbuster featherweight title clash with Billy Oosthuizen in 2026.
Former EFC featherweight champion Boyd Allen made a thunderous statement in his long-awaited return to the hexagon, needing just over four minutes to dispatch Vince Bembe and secure a shot at Billy Oosthuizen’s interim title.
The World Sports Betting EFC Arena erupted on Thursday night as EFC 129 delivered a night of high-octane finishes and technical masterclasses, with Allen’s clinical performance headlining a stacked 10-fight card. The 34-year-old veteran showcased his trademark composure, picking apart Bembe with precise striking, before unloading a flurry that forced the referee to intervene at 00:04:18 of the opening round.
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The victory catapults Allen back into title contention, setting up a highly anticipated unification bout early next year.
In the co-main event, Steven Goncalves wasted no time, locking in a rear-naked choke to get Guide Moyo to submit at 00:03:45 of round 1 in a dominant display of grappling prowess. Heavyweight destroyer Terrence Born followed suit, flattening Sholto Luiters with a devastating combination just 38 seconds into their clash, sending shockwaves through the division.
Cole Henning rounded out the main card decisions with a commanding unanimous verdict over Christopher Matukane (30-27, 30-27, 30-26), controlling the pace with crisp boxing and cage generalship.
Moses Mokhari thrilled the crowd with a slick first-round rear-naked choke submission of Sibusiso Sovendle at 00:03:20, capping a night of early finishes.
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The preliminary bouts delivered equal drama. Nerik Simoes outworked Musa Sethwape to earn a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a relentless three-round war that claimed Fight of the Night honours. Godfrey Mkhwanazi earned a Performance of the Night bonus with a second-round TKO (strikes) over Allistar Kunene at 00:04:46, while Mfanafuthi Ngobese secured a rear-naked choke submission against Mika Ngomane at 00:01:46 of round 2.
Dauda Rajabu edged Lecture Gumbi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in a competitive welterweight scrap, and Bruce Mayasi dominated Alex Kapinga en route to a shutout unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
EFC 129’s bonus winners included Allen, Henning, Mokhari, and Mkhwanazi, each pocketing extra pay for their standout efforts.
The electric Sandton crowd bore witness to another chapter in EFC’s storied history, with Allen’s return reigniting excitement for South African MMA’s future. All roads now lead to the featherweight title showdown that fans have demanded.
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