Title on the line in brutal repeat

When the two step under the bright lights at Grand West Casino in Cape Town, a similar scene is set to play out, except that this time around, the stakes are higher given that there’s a championship belt on the line.

The two will headline EFC Africa 25 tonight, contesting the organisation’s lightweight title with Madge hoping to turn the tables in the first defence of his crown.

Madge emerged as the division’s best with a devastating all-round performance over Costa Ioannou at EFC20. On the back of that showing, he’ll head into tonight’s battle as favourite in front of his home crowd.

Leon Mynhardt (Red) defeated Francois Kabulu (Blue) during their bout at EFC Africa 09
©Chris Ricco/Backpagepix

Their first meeting ended controversially when the action was waved off after Madge turned his back on a bleeding Mynhardt, which gives the champion something to prove against one of the best strikers in the division.

Mynhardt will no doubt have prepared himself for each facet of the “Magic Man’s” game, and his skill on the mat has improved greatly over the last few months – something he’ll need against the champion.

The event will also see Gideon Drotschie, promoted from interim to full champion, defend his light-heavyweight title for the first time against EFC newcomer Fraser Opie.

There has been some outcry over the fact that Opie earned a title shot after a single appearance under the brand, but his extensive international experience made him the best candidate for a championship shot.

In heavyweight contests, newcomer Vandam Mbuyi will look to add to his title credentials when he meets Sors Grobbelaar and Bernando Mkixi makes a return against Brendon Groenewald.

Former welterweight champion Michiel Opperman will feature in his first contest since relinquishing the crown when he faces Francois Kabulu, while Sean Robinson and Chris du Pont round off the main card action with a light-heavyweight clash.