Fight of the year ends great EFC year

THE final event of the year for EFC 46 made history when the infamous welterweight belt found a new title holder.

EFC 46 was held at Carnival City on Saturday, December 12, and marked the final event of the year.

In what can lay claim to be EFC’s fight of the year, David Buirski defied the odds to take victory over Martin ‘The Punisher’ van Staden after five rounds of epic action that left the Big Top Arena on their feet when the final hooter sounded.

Van Staden started the stronger of the two, showing more aggression than the new champion. His advances were dealt with by Buirski until a barrage from The Punisher opened a cut above Buirski’s left eye late in the second round. Despite the cut and being behind at that stage, a gargantuan effort from the champion saw him take the fight to Van Staden in the latter rounds, landing a series of combinations, takedowns and near submissions.

After five intense rounds, it was left to the judges to decide the victor, resulting in a split decision for Buirski. “I dug deep and the stars aligned for me tonight,” he said in the post fight press conference. A visibly disenchanted Van Staden felt he won the fight but promised he would be back to take what he believes is rightfully his.

MMA legend Chris Bright completed a successful return to the hexagon after a five-year absence by beating a plucky Adam Speechly in a highly technical lightweight encounter that was also decided by split decision. Bright shook off his self admitted ring rust to come back from a slow start.

In a late replacement on the main card, Bruno Mukulu was given the chance to avenge his loss to Dricus du Plessis after replacing Henry Fadipe. Although a much improved performance, a lapse in concentration from the DRC native let Du Plessis assume control of his back and take the fight via rear naked choke after many agreed that Mukulu was ahead on the scorecards. Du Plessis is now clearly the number one contender in a division that holds many permutations, depending on whether an instant rematch is awarded to Van Staden or whether Buirski moves to middleweight.

The main card was opened by the middleweight clash between Gordon ‘Rage’ Roodman and Keron ‘Skinner’ Davies. The fight replicated the same pace and explosive striking they had produced two years ago, but this time an exposed Davies’ jaw was caught by a vicious overhand right which sent him to the canvas. Roodman had avenged his loss and firmly established himself as a legitimate middleweight.

‘Fight of the Night’ was awarded to the welterweight title bout between Buirski and Van Staden. Performance bonuses were awarded to Mukulu, Du Plessis and Roodman.

EFC 47: Mynhardt vs. Mazany and Henry vs. Kabesa will take place at Carnival City, on Saturday, March 5. Tickets are available at www.computicket.com