EFC 119: A quiet storm is brewing

EFC 119 is poised to deliver an action-packed evening of world-class MMA, with two championship titles on the line which head a massive 12-fight card that promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

In the main event, current Interim Flyweight Champion Terence “Black Panther” Balelo will defend his title against the undefeated Edson “Trapdoor Spider” Machavane in what is expected to be an electrifying clash of styles. Machavane, with an immaculate 5-0-0 record in the EFC, has emerged as one of the most talented grappling prospects in the 125lb division. His last victory, a unanimous decision win in July 2024 earned him the Fight of the Night honours, showcasing his ability to go the distance in gruelling battles.

The Mozambican’s flawless record and his remarkable fight IQ makes him arguably the toughest opponent Balelo has ever faced in his career. However, Balelo is feared throughout the division for his aggressive approach and lethal submission game, which made an immediate impact in his last fight against French kickboxer Liridon Ramani in June 2024, securing a first-round guillotine choke victory. His footwork, scrambles and lightning-quick finishing ability makes him one of the most dangerous men competing in the EFC today.

With two of the flyweight division’s top fighters throwing down for gold in the Hexagon, this championship bout is guaranteed to be one of the most thrilling title fights of 2024. EFC fans are eagerly anticipating to see how Balelo’s explosive style will fare against Machavane’s precision and composure, with both athletes looking to solidify their place as the top flyweight in the organisation’s history.

The co-main event will feature an explosive matchup for the EFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship, as Juliet Chukwu (6-1-0) faces off against the undefeated Dayne “Quiet Storm” Van Wyk (4-0-0) in the biggest fight to go down in Women’s MMA this year. Nigerian sensation Chukwu, the more experienced of the two, has already proven herself as one of the best in the division, and at 6-1, she is a seasoned competitor who possesses a well-rounded skillset that blends technique with raw power.

However, van Wyk, known for her stamina and titanium chin, enters the bout with an undefeated record in the EFC. The rising star from Pretoria has quickly gained attention with her never-back-down performances, and her unbreakable will to win makes her an incredibly dangerous opponent for Chukwu. This fight could see a battle of attrition, with Chukwu relying on her experience and tactical experience, while van Wyk looks to overpower her with her relentless forward-footed aggression and top-drawer cardio.

Will Chukwu be able to weather the storm Van Wyk is bringing into the Hex, or will it be the young star who claims the belt and cements herself as the new queen of the bantamweight division? This matchup promises to be an intriguing clash of styles, with both athletes poised to leave everything on the line in their pursuit of championship glory.

The preliminary card of EFC 119 is just as stacked, featuring a total of eight action-packed bouts that are sure to get fans fired up from the opening bell. With the talent and intensity on display in these matchups headlined by two championship titles and a stacked undercard featuring some of the best talent in African MMA, Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced striking, merciless ground-and-pound, tactical submissions or jaw-dropping knockouts, this event has something for every MMA enthusiast.

Main Card

FLYWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Terence Balelo vs. Edson Machavane

WOMEN’S BANTAMWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT

Dayne Van Wyk vs. Juliet Chukwu

MIDDLEWEIGHT FIGHT

Shadrack Nsua vs. Siyaku Dumisa Nomvemve

WELTERWEIGHT FIGHT

Horatiius Ndidi Alonu vs. Ziko Makengele

LIGHTWEIGHT FIGHT

Kaleka Kabanda vs. Patrick Ocheme

Prelim Card