EFC’s stance on the Covid-19

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared Coronavirus (Covid-19) a national disaster and decided on some precautionary measures.

South African citizens returning from high-risk countries will be subjected to testing and quarantine upon return to the country. He also announced the prohibition of gatherings more than 100 people.

With this said, EFC 85 scheduled for April 4 at GrandWest, Cape Town, will be relocated to EFC Performance Institute, in Paulshof, Sandton.

Spectator attendance will be limited, but there will be a broadcast on all usual channels.

An official statement from EFC management says: “Along with UFC, we will endeavour to keep our athleticism active. EFC will have the highest safety standards possible.

“The situation regarding this global crisis is changing daily and we will do everything to ensure we change in accordance with the safest practices possible.”

Additional details and the full-fight card will be announced in the coming days.

Any information may be obtained from www.efcworldwide.com

In the meantime, Zimbabwe’s Themba Gorimbo successfully defended his welterweight title at EFC 84.

The first 2020 EFC event kicked off in front of an embedded crowd. Gorimbo put his EFC welterweight title on the line against his undefeated Australian opponent, Lyle Karam.

In the first stanza, Gorimbo controlled the action with leg and head kicks until Karam found a chink in his armour and wobbled the champ. Gorimbo, in his wily ways, shot the double leg in a follow up flurry from Karam and ended in a neck-breaking guillotine choke. With his self-proclaimed ‘Mamba Mentality’ he worked his way out to end the round on top.

The second round began in a hurry, with Karam getting the take down this time and ending in a vulnerable position. Gorimbo slowly synced up the triangle choke to seal the deal and continue his reign as the welterweight champion.

“For Africa to be recognised in this sport, it needs a real African,” bellowed the champ on the mic after the fight. “Someone that has survived Africa.”

In the penultimate bout of the evening, ever-present contender Anicet Kanyeba put the pace on former contender Pierre Botha.

While Botha utilised his wrestling with big suplexes in the first round, Kanyeba ran away with his striking to claim a dominant win, his fifth in a row.

Niel du Plessis entered the Hexagon in a new light heavyweight division to face Stefan Pretorius. However, it was Pretorius to walk away celebrating with a controversial submission win in the second round.

In the Fight of the Night, Tshilumba Mukishi took on August Kayambala in an all-out war.

While it seemed Kayambala was on the verge of finishing Mukushi, roles reversed quick when a slick uppercut dropped the prospect, Kayambala, to give Mukishi his fourth straight win in the lightweight division.

The opening bout of the main card saw Roevan de Beer take on Judo blackbelt Sindile Manengela. In almost one-way traffic, Manengela announced himself in his new bantamweight division to claim the first round finish.

Fight of the Night was awarded to Tshilumba Mukishi vs August Kayambala, and performance bonuses were given to Cameron Saaiman, Cole Henning, Pierre Botha and Anicet Kanyeba.

All eyes now turn to EFC 85. Tickets are on sale soon at www.computicket.com