Dramatic comebacks at EFC 133
Zaakir Badat survived a first-round onslaught from Ziko Makengele before turning the fight around in one of the most memorable main events in EFC history.
EFC 133, presented by World Sports Betting, delivered one of the most dramatic and emotionally charged fight nights in recent memory, capped by an instant classic in the welterweight division.
Champion Zaakir Badat faced fierce pressure from former champion Ziko Makengele in the main event at the hexagon. Makengele stormed out in the opening round, stuffing takedowns and unleashing a barrage of heavy strikes as Badat absorbed the punishment but continued pressing forward.
The intensity escalated in the second round as Makengele appeared on the verge of a stoppage victory. However, Badat refused to yield. In a lightning-fast momentum shift, the champion connected with a devastating left hook followed by an uppercut that dropped Makengele. Badat immediately pounced with unanswered strikes, forcing referee Wiekus Swart to step in at 00:02:42 of round two.
Read more: EFC warrior turns defeat into fuel in pursuit of PFL Africa dream
The TKO victory further solidifies Badat’s status as one of the leading figures in African MMA.
Earlier on the main card, Chadrack Yemba made a strong statement in the featherweight division. He stopped Hanru Botha via TKO (strikes) at just 00:00:26 of the second round, positioning himself as a top contender for future title contention.
The main card opened with fireworks when Emerson Pedro ignited the crowd with a spectacular spinning heel kick knockout against Sibusiso Sovendle at 00:01:15 of round two.
On the preliminary card, Moses Mokhari earned Fight of the Night honours alongside the main event for his hard-fought unanimous decision win over a courageous Musa Sethwape. Sethwape showed remarkable professionalism by competing despite a tragic personal loss during fight week.
Official results from EFC 133 saw Badat defeat Makengele via TKO (strikes) in round 2 at 00:02:42. Yemba stopped Botha via TKO (strikes) in round 2 at 00:00:26. Brandon Santos earned a unanimous decision over Lihle Ngamntwini over five rounds. Godknows Ndlovu defeated Roevan De Beer by unanimous decision over three rounds. Pedro knocked out Sovendle with a spinning heel kick in round 2 at 00:01:15. Ayanda Zwane beat Sizwe Mnikathi by unanimous decision over three rounds. Mokhari outpointed Sethwape via unanimous decision over three rounds. Grant Farrow submitted Itumeleng Mabilo with a rear naked choke in round 1 at 00:01:45. Ash Zola won a four-round unanimous decision against David Mambo. Zeca Martinho defeated Philani Ngqoyiya by unanimous decision over three rounds, while Siyanda Vilakazi submitted Tyral Louw with a rear naked choke in round 2 at 00:01:17.
Also read: Ayanda Zwane returns, set to ignite EFC 133
Performance bonuses were awarded as follows: Fight of the Night went to Badat versus Makengele, with additional Performance Bonuses handed to Yemba, Pedro, and Mokhari.
With championship drama, highlight-reel knockouts, and heartfelt stories of resilience, EFC 133 will be remembered as a landmark event in African MMA for years to come.
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