After a stint on The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 where he was trained by current UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, Roedie Roets is back in the EFC, boasting a professional record of 7 wins and 1 loss. Roets has established himself as a dominant force in the featherweight division, amassing a series of spectacular finishes that have made him a fan favourite. Now, he finally gets his shot at the title—a moment he has worked tirelessly for.
Opening the doors for this interim featherweight title is Roets’s teammate, the reigning lightweight AND featherweight champion Igeu Kabesa, who will be defending his 155lb belt against former champion Tshilumba Mikixi at EFC 120 on the 12th of December thereby creating this interim opportunity.
However, every title fight presents its own set of challenges, and Roets is about to face one of his toughest tests yet. Enter Ayanda Zwane, an athlete known for his relentless pressure and striking acumen. With former number one contender Simbarashe Hokonya stepping aside, Zwane’s opportunity to seize the title is not only timely but tantalising. He plans to implement his aggressive style to frustrate Roets, making this matchup a classic battle of wills. For Zwane, this is not just another fight; it’s the biggest opportunity of his career.
In the co-main event, fans can look forward to the much-anticipated return of one of the EFC greats, Martin “The Punisher” Van Staden. After a two-year hiatus and a record of 12 wins and 8 losses, The Punisher steps back into the Hexagon to face the heavy-hitting ‘Hitman’ Cole Henning in a lightweight bout. An outstanding wrestler with a huge right hand, Henning has remained active, last competing at EFC 113 in May this year where he was defeated by Horatious Alonu, but with cracking wins over the likes of Tumisang Madiba and Tapiwa Katikati he will undoubtedly look to exploit any cage rust that may linger for Van Staden. This fight is expected to be a pivotal moment for both competitors as they aim to solidify their places in the division.
Also on the card, Jason Culverwell is set to make his highly-anticipated return to the EFC after an almost decade-long absence, following his loss to Gareth Sawyer in 2014. Culverwell faces accomplished scalp collector Peace “X” Nguphane in a welterweight bout that adds another yet another layer of intrigue to the event. Fans will be keen to see how Culverwell adapts after years away from the promotion against House of Tinkerbell’s hottest prospect.
The preliminary card is stacked with emerging talent. One of the highlights includes Elbert “Pikachu” Steyn, who enters the bout undefeated in the EFC, taking on Given “Bonecracker” Majuba. With a mix of established names like Nthando “The Zulu Warrior” Zondi and Micky “The Mouse” Cloete, this card promises excitement and showcases athletes eager to climb the ranks.
EFC 118 is set to deliver an unforgettable evening of mixed martial arts action, with compelling narratives and high-stakes matchups. As Roedie Roets looks to claim his rightful place at the top and veterans like Van Staden and Culverwell aim for redemption, the night promises to be a showcase of skill, grit, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Don’t miss what is shaping up to be a monumental event in the EFC!
EFC 118 Roets vs Zwane is presented by World Sports Betting and takes place on Thursday, 10 October 2024, live from the World Sports Betting EFC Arena in JHB, South Africa.
Broadcast information at www.efcworldwide.com
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