Billy Oosthuizen makes a stunning debut at EFC 69
Oosthuizen's win was so impressive, the 23-year-old also walked away with a performance bonus.
Pitbull Dojo Boksburg star Billy Oosthuizen left a lasting impression during his EFC debut at EFC 69 when he beat Pieter de Klerk at Carnival City on April 28.
The first round specialist Oosthuizen again closed the deal in the first round when he knocked out de Klerk through strikes to take the ‘W’ a minute and 29 seconds into the opening round.
Asked to recall his emotions on his big day, he said: “It was overwhelming. It makes me more than happy, it’s a step to my success.”
On his thoughts while making his way to the hexagon of the big leagues Oosthuizen explained: “I was thinking, ‘I can’t lose. I have to win to make my statement as I’m going to be the best’. It was rough, I stressed a lot until they said fight.”
While Oosthuizen’s victory meant that he starts his EFC journey on a positive note, the loss meant that de Klerk, now 0-6-0, has to wait longer for his first win.
Meanwhile, a new EFC bantamweight champion was crowned when South Africa’s JP Buys (5-2) defeated France’s Philippe Rouch (7-4).
Theirs was a mesmerising encounter, beginning with an emotion-soaked entrance that stunned the audience with the intensity of their rivalry.
Rouch had earned himself ‘heel’ status with previous comments and stood alone against a sea of boos, waiting for his opponent.
Buys entered with the confidence of a champion already crowned, stepping into the hexagon on a wave of local support, almost unaware of his rival.
Their fight began cautiously, each feeling the other out, but once they engaged it was Buys who quickly found full mount position in a tactical slip that Rouch will regret for a long time to come.
Buys found the guillotine almost immediately and although Rouch defended valiantly, his tap was inevitable. An EFC interim champion before, Buys has now solidified has position at the top of the division.
Elsewhere, EFC flyweight champion Nkazimulo Zulu’s bout with Angola international Marino Cutenda was called off with the latter withdrawing due to illness. It was announced that Zulu’s next opponent is exciting wrestling sensation BK Masunyane – much to the delight of the crowd.
The official EFC 69 results are:
JP Buys defeated Philippe Rouch via submission (guillotine choke) 2:29 into round 1.
Callum Murrie defeated Pierre Botha via submission (armbar) 3:40 into round 1.
Ibrahima Mané defeated Quiad Openshaw via TKO (strikes) 4:54 into round 1.
Kevin Koekemoer defeated Nico Yamdjie via unanimous decision.
Anicet Kanyeba defeated Jasen van der Merwe via TKO (unanswered strikes) 3:48 into round 1.
Claude Ntumba defeated Anthony Mailer via tap out (strikes) 2:05 into round 2.
Pietie Coxen defeated HP van Staden via TKO (strikes) 3:05 into round 1.
Sibusiso Mdoko defeated Marcel Els via TKO (unanswered strikes) 4:34 into round 1.
Billy Oosthuizen defeated Pieter de Klerk via KO (strikes) 1:29 into round 1.
