Final EFC of the year unleashes battle for glory

EFC 120 lived up to its billing as a South African MMA showcase, with exciting matchups, brutal finishes, and title fights that will be remembered for years to come.

The event was an action-packed night of mixed martial arts, closing off the year with an unforgettable series of bouts that had fans on the edge of their seats.
From title changes to grudge matches and debut victories – this event had it all.

Thursday night ended with a thrilling title fight in the welterweight division championship between Luke “Young Gun” Michael and Zaakir Badat in the final event of the year.

Young Gun came out aggressive, looking for a takedown early on, but Badat’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and physical strength were on full display.

Despite Michael’s efforts, Badat was able to quickly regain control and reverse the position before unleashing a vicious onslaught of ground and pound.

The champ then locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Michael to tap out in the first round, securing Badat’s victory and remaining as the Welterweight Champion.

Badat’s successful title defence continues his reign as the king of the welterweight division, solidifying his elite status in the EFC.

Though Michael came up short in this fight, he remains a formidable athlete in the middleweight division, holding onto his title in that division and setting up intriguing future matchups in 2025.

The co-main event was a highly anticipated clash between Igeu “Smiley” Kabesa and Martin “The Punisher” van Staden for the lightweight title.

Both athletes were well aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and the fight played out with a sense of calculated strategy and intense action.

The bout delivered exactly what fans were hoping for, with both men showcasing their skills and heart.

However, it was Van Staden who emerged victorious, staggering the champion with short but powerful shots. He dethroned the most decorated EFC champion in history by sinking in a second-round rear-naked choke and claiming the Lightweight Championship.

The Punisher’s performance was a testament to his resilience and tactical approach in the fight.

Kabesa needed immediate medical attention post-bout and was subsequently transported and admitted to hospital for urgent care.

“The EFC team is hoping to hear positive news regarding the situation and our thoughts are with him.”

The grudge match between Musa Setwape and Shannon van Tonder was full of bad blood, and as a result, it did not disappoint.

Van Tonder proved to be the superior athlete on the night, outclassing Setwape to claim victory.

His win answered the question of who the better athlete on the night was, with Van Tonder securing bragging rights in the rivalry though the record between the two foes now remains one a-piece.

The result was a definitive win for Van Tonder, who cemented his place as a top contender in the division despite agreeing to the trilogy fight to decide who would have the ultimate bragging rights.

The prelims were filled with exciting prospects and raw talent, showcasing some of the best athletes South Africa has to offer.

A new star has burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion. Jaden van der Merwe announced his arrival with a stirring display of skill, determination, and raw power, vanquishing the seasoned veteran Christopher Matukane via a thunderous total knock out

This heralded the dawn of a new era in the organisation, signalling a bright future for Van der Merwe.

The EFC 120 event not only crowned new champions but also featured the rise of fresh talent, making it a thrilling night for MMA fans.

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