New era for EFC in South Africa

On Saturday night at EFC 60, Amanda ‘Mad Dog’ Lino ushered in a new era in the history of MMA in South Africa, at Sibaya Casino, on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, the origin of South African MMA, when she defeated Jacqui ‘Demolition’ Trosee for the inaugural EFC women’s flyweight title.

The battle royale of the main event closed off an evening of exciting fights, where some of the top MMA athletes put everything on the line in front of a spirited and vocal crowd, who filled the Sun Park arena from the first bout.

It was an aggressive, scrappy main event, with both fighters giving their all, and tenaciously not allowing their opponent to gain an upper hand inside the hexagon.

Clinch-work and groundwork proved to be the deciding factor between the two, and Lino was soon able to establish and cement her dominance over Trosee on the ground, eventually sinking an arm-bar that forced Trosee to tap.

We suspect it will take a mammoth effort from any challenger to take the belt from Lino, who emphatically proclaimed, “I’m never letting this belt go!”

The co-main event was contested between two icons of South African MMA, legends in their own right. Durban’s son, Martin ‘The Punisher’ Van Staden returned home for a second time to welcome Leon ‘Iron Lion’ Mynhardt to the hexagon for what was to be the decider in a trilogy of fights between these two.

Both athletes showed great patience and a skilled approach to the contest, each waiting for an opening for the fists, which suddenly appeared when Van Staden attacked, slipping a Mynhardt punch before landing a glancing straight left followed by a flush right cross, causing Mynhardt to wobble on his feet. When Mynhardt failed to regain his composure, the referee stopped the bout before Van Staden could do more significant damage.

Having opened the fight with a standing backflip, Bokang ‘Little Giant’ Masunyane showed clearly why his growing reputation as a future MMA superstar is well deserved, through a combination of aerial attacks, stand-up and striking, grappling, wrestling and overall displays of athleticism and strength. He took a unanimous victory over the seasoned veteran, Abdul ‘Hollywood’ Hassan.

“He is a phenomenal athlete,” said Hassan after. “I’m sure he will be a champion one day.”

The night was filled with action-packed events. Fans were not disappointed by the performances of their fighters, although there may have been a few examples of why it is never wise to leave the result in the hands of the judges.

On a different note, EFC 60 represented the end of an era for the involvement of one of the icons of South African MMA, and the first lightweight champion, Wentzel ‘The Animal’ Nel, who shortly before the event gave notice that he and his family were to emigrate to New Zealand at the end of June 2017.

‘The Animal’ cornered his fighters for one last time, with mixed results from their bouts. It was fitting that he was thanked and wished well by EFC president Cairo Howarth at the press conference after the event. His impact on MMA in South Africa is undoubted and his absence will definitely be felt. But no matter what, we wish him all the best for the next phase of his life.

Fight of the Night was awarded to Gary Joshua vs Baldwin Mdlalose. Performance bonuses were awarded to Bokang Masunyane, Martin van Staden, Amanda Lino and Jacqualine Trosee.

For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.

Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za

Add us on WhatsApp today! Alberton Record: 060 644 5264 Comaro Chronicle: 079 427 8074 and Southern Courier: 079 404 5789.