UK vs SA in historic EFC bout
Two fighters from different divisions clash for one championship title at Carnival City.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2017/08/31GCNSPORTEFCMH_07458.jpg)
Carnival City expects a capacity crowd at the Big Top Arena for EFC 62 when history will be made with the first ever clash between two champions from two different divisions for one championship title.
At EFC 62 on August 19, the middleweight champion, England’s Yannick Bahati will face the EFC welterweight champion, South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis for the EFC Middleweight Championship of the World title.
Two of the greatest athletes are going head-to-head in what could be the biggest match-up in the organisation’s history, and just who will walk away holding two belts, remains to be seen.
Michelle Smith, the marketing manager for Carnival City said, “The Big Top Arena is the battleground for EFC in Gauteng and over the years, has hosted thousands of fans for the events.
“The upcoming EFC 62 will no doubt draw a capacity crowd as it will be the first time ever two fighters from two different divisions will fight for one title.”
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2017/08/31GCNSPORTEFCMH_84813-520x390.jpg)
Photo by: Anton Geyser/EFC Worldwide/Gallo Images
Du Plessis first signed with EFC over four years ago.
He had only just become an adult, but had his eyes firmly set on claiming gold as the youngest in history.
With his gutsy performances, he started immediately started making waves in the organisation.
On the way to the top, he amassed a 4-0 record that earned him a middleweight title shot against Garreth McLellan.
Many said it was too soon for the young Pretoria powerhouse and many were correct.
He lost his first and only fight against the soon-to-be UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) athlete.
ALSO READ:
‘Thunder’ brought the storm to EFC 61
It was a career-defining moment for du Plessis, and one that saw him get better and grow from strength to strength.
Since then he has gone on to capture the welterweight title. He has defended it and cleared all opposition in his path.
Du Plessis now has his sights firmly set on becoming EFC’s first two-division champion, but with that he has found the formidable Englishman standing in his way.
Since his last fight in EFC, the British behemoth, Yannick Bahati, has claimed the BAMMA Middleweight World title and is dead-set on defending both.
It is no secret that these two elite athletes hold little but disdain for each other.
They have often had verbal jousts over social media and at press conferences. They have also nearly come to blows backstage.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za, Leigh Hodgson (journalist) leighh@caxton.co.za or Puleng Sekabate pulengs@caxton.co.za.
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.