The DRC’s Gunther Kalunda (5-0) was crowned the EFC interim welterweight champion at EFC 73 when he defeated Brazil’s José Da Rocha (9-5) in a gut-wrenching five round war.
The first round saw both trading strikes before Da Rocha scored a takedown. It was not long, however, before Kalunda made his way back to his feet, setting a pattern that would create a fight that would take both men to the limit.
Early in the second round Kalunda sank a guillotine, forcing the Brazilian to dig deep and ride it out. Thereafter the men went head to head on the feet and the ground, with Da Rocha displaying superb head movement.
In the fourth round Da Rocha threatened with superb strikes but his rally was short-lived. Going into the fifth round Kalunda took control with a takedown and finished the bout strong.
The judges delivered a unanimous decision, crowning an incredible third EFC champion for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
“I don’t fight just for my country, I fight for all of Africa,” shouted an exhausted Kalunda, bringing the crowd to their feet.
All eyes now turn to EFC 74, Kabesa vs Murrie for the featherweight title, which takes place on Saturday, October 6 at Carnival City.
