Potts defeated on his return to EFC
Former UFC heavyweight and EFC champion Ruan ‘Fangzz’ Potts' anticipated return to the hexagon ended in defeat at the hands of Frenchman Cyril ‘Silverback’ Asker at Carnival City's EFC 40 on June 6.
Potts, from Boksburg, took the fight to Asker, going straight for the take down from the get go. Taking advantage of his position, Potts laid down heavy ground and pound, opening up a laceration on Asker’s eye.
Surviving the initial onslaught, Asker reversed positions and rained down with heavy ground and pound of his own. A visibly battered Potts failed to answer the second round bell, resulting in a verbal submission victory for Asker.
EFC president Cairo Howarth confirmed that the Frenchman will be facing Andrew van Zyl for the heavyweight title in October.The main event featured former welterweight champion Dino ‘The Lion’ Bagattin and the young sensation Dricus ‘Stillknocks’ du Plessis.
The contest began at a high pace and maintained that level throughout. From the start, Bagattin and du Plessis exchanged massive punches and kicks in a frenetic first round.
Midway through the second, du Plessis shot for the take down.
After a back and forth scramble, the youngster took advantage of an error from Bagattin and showed his proficiency by taking his opponent’s back and sinking a tight rear naked choke, forcing him to tap.
A jubilant du Plessis expressed his delight at his performance and thanked the crowd in attendance, “If you guys enjoyed my fight, then I enjoyed it.”
A veteran of the organisation, Bagattin promised the crowd he’d be back as always, ready to give the fans another show.
Wrestling sensation Igeu ‘Smiley’ Kabesa extended his undefeated winning streak to six fights with a dominant display over Irishman Peter ‘Showstopper’ Queally.
Kabesa looked to be on his back foot for the entire fight, he used his position to counter and score massive takedowns, thereby completely nullifying Queally’s advances.
Queally failed to launch an effective offense, which ultimately lost him the fight to a surprising split judge’s’ decision.
In the event’s fight of the night, Brendon Katz and Wade Groth put on an unforgettable war that left the fans in the arena on their feet. For every shot Katz landed, Groth reciprocated and then some.
Ending in a unanimous decision in favour of Groth, both athletes walked out of the Hexagon to rapturous applause from the crowd.
Opening the main card was Scottish debutant Danny Henry and the exciting Hanru Botha.
Botha, a tough wrestler from Polokwane, began the fight doing what comes naturally – going straight for the double-leg takedown.
The Scot showed his pedigree by keeping calm and sinking in a triangle choke from his back to seal the win early in the first round.
EFC stars tip Potts to bounce back
Potts succumbs to Freight Train
Potts sets his eye on regaining title
EFC 40 results:
Robert Simbowe defeated Stefan Pretorius via Heel Hook 4:52 in round 1.
Pietie Coxen defeated Gorilla Okosso via TKO 1:26 in round 2.
Jasen van der Merwe defeated Bill Thusi via TKO 3:46 in round 2.
Anicet Kanyeba defeated Anthony Mailer via verbal submission 4:10 in round 2.
Wilhelm Strauss defeated Steve Nwosu via TKO 4:39 in round 2.
Marino Cutendana defeated Nelson Feiteira via split decision.
Tomasz Kowalkowski defeated Elvis Moyo via TKO in round 1.
Daniel Henry defeated Hanru Botha via Triangle choke 1:58 in round 1.
Wade Groth defeated Brendon Katz via unanimous decision.
Igeu Kabesa defeated Peter Queally via split decision.
Cyril Asker defeated Ruan Potts via verbal submission at the start of round 2.
Dricus du Plessis defeated Dino Bagattin via rear naked choke 3:33 in round 2. – @SabeloBoksburg
