‘Optimus Prime’ takes thrilling victory at EFC Contender Series
Mbasa Khosa, known in the hexagon as 'Optimus Prime', emerged victorious in his match against Emmanuel Okafor at the EFC Contender Series, cementing his place on the EFC roster.
EFC hosted its first Contender Series, which took place on December 5 at the World Sport Betting Arena in Paulshof.
The series was to provide an opportunity for rising mixed martial arts (MMA) stars to compete for a coveted EFC professional contract.
With a packed fight card of 10 bouts, the Contender Series had all kinds of action, as the athletes fought hard to impress EFC matchmakers, and earn their place on the prestigious roster.
A moment Mbasa Khosa, known as Optimus Prime in the hexagon, took to heart.
Also read: Kabesa’s legacy on the line at EFC 120
He went up against Emmanuel Okafor, who took Khosa’s punches from the first to the third and final round, before leaving the hexagon on a stretcher, leaving Khosa the winner.
“It was tough, but a win is a win at the end. I have never seen him fight, and knowing that he was inexperienced I knew he was going to come rushing, and he has power, so, I just had to weight it, and then take it from there.”
Khosa said what he enjoyed the most about the match was the crowd which couldn’t stop chanting for him at every punch.
He left his head coach, Rashaad Essop, floating on cloud nine after the good fight for a spot in the EFC.
Also read: Edson Machavane claims the EFC Flyweight championship title
“He listened. He did what he had to do, and got a win at the end of the day. Unfortunately, it was not the win we expected, but we got the win. He put on a performance and got the crowd standing on their feet and that is what we wanted. He stepped up. He fought someone way bigger and stronger than him and he took the fight to him. We are proud of him,” said Essop.
Graeme Cartmell, EFC’s vice president and matchmaker, said the Contender Series is a major step forward for both EFC and the African MMA scene.
“There is so much untapped talent out there, and we just don’t get to see them all. The Contender Series is a perfect opportunity for us to find fresh talent and help them take the next step in their careers. We’re not only looking for great fighters, but also the potential to build the next big stars of the sport, athletes who could follow in the footsteps of legends like Dricus Du Plessis and Cameron Saaiman.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Edson Machavane claims the EFC Flyweight championship title
