Luindula, who dismissed his opponent Quaid Openshaw as being a real threat during the build-up to their middleweight clash, was rocked by Openshaw’s fast, confident start.
The bout had a fast pace to it with Luindula looking to make quick work of his opponent.
But proceedings didn’t go according to the ‘God of War’s’ script as the bout would soon go to the ground where Openshaw sunk in a rear-naked choke for the win, a mere 1:22 into the first round.
“It’s one of those things, it happens,” said the Angola international.
“He overpowered me, he came out stronger than I anticipated, it’s part of the sport. I needed this loss to calm me – there was a lot of pressure on me to impress.”
Nienaber’s title shot hopes were dented by two devastating kicks to the ribs in the second round by former featherweight champion, Scotland’s Danny Henry.
Henry impressed with calm control in the hexagon, dominating a ground battle in the opening round.
With just over a minute into the second, the lanky Scotsman delivered the pair of blows that folded ‘BB Gun’ and earned himself a TKO win.
A victory for Nienaber would’ve put him in pole position for a shot at champion Igeu Kabesa’s strip.
“Look, at the end of the day I lost the fight,” said ‘BB Gun’, when quizzed on the setback.
“It wasn’t my night, I’m going back to the drawing board with the training.”
Full EFC 51 results:
Claude Ntumba defeated Tshilumba Mulumba via knockout (Punches) 2:32 in round 2.
Tjaart Henning defeated Amos Hlatswayo via Triangle choke 1:56 in round 2.
Pietie Coxen defeated Robo Ambamba via split decision.
Quaid Openshaw defeated Patrick Luindula via Rear-Naked Choke in 1:22 in round 1.
Alain Ilunga defeated Conrad Seabi via unanimous decision.
Tumisang Madiba vs Anicet Kanyeba was ruled a no contest.
Gareth Buirski defeated Magno Alves via unanimous decision.
Danny Henry defeated Barend Nienaber via TKO (Kick) 1:20 into round 2.
Baldwin Mdlalose defeated Marino Cutendana via TKO 1:13 in round 1.
Dave Mazany defeated Leo Mynhardt via Guillotine Choke 2:30 in round 2. – @SabeloBoksburg
