EFC 82: When Build-Ups don’t Live Up!
Written by Emjay on September 30, 2019
To truly appreciate the comedy that was EFC 82, let us cast our minds back to the July Social Media revelations by the (then) welterweight title contenders as they blissfully proceeded to justify their GP recommended use of IV vitamin infusions. What made the entire incident more bizarre was the handling of the entire affair by certain media who, thinking that they were “BREAKING NEWS”, not only showed their absolute ignorance of the sport and its PED rules in this regards but did so in a manner that allowed others – including professional athletes – to reveal their utter ignorance on the matter!
Secondly, the much-anticipated return of Conrad Seabi to face one of the EFC’s most inactive roster fighters – Pupanga Tresor – will need a few more months before that clash plays out as injury to Seabi has forced a delay until EFC 83.
Bezuidenhout v Harle
Conditioning is clearly not part of some heavyweight’s training programmes! For Harle, all he could muster was 1,5 rounds before – BOOM – KOed in the second. The fact that Bezuidenhout could not stop pounding an already downed opponent tarnishes what was a solid performance.
Richards v Strydom
MMA is brutal sport and complacency is hardly ever rewarded as Warren Richards found out. Looking to finish things off with a choke, he found himself reversed and pretty soon the referee called a stop to the fight due to unanswered strikes. Hats off to Strydom for not giving up, this is now the second fight in a row that Strydom has showcased his ground tenacity.
De Beer v Mkize
Following an unconvincing performance on Saturday night, De Beer finds himself on a 3-fight win streak. Unconvincing from the perspective that he was on the back foot for most of the fight taking punishment from the Mkhize body kicks. It was a 3-punch combo that ultimatley saw Mkize KOed.
De la Rey v Machaba
I am still not sure what happened to Machaba in this fight, he seemed to stumble as he over-extended and then lost all notion of where he was, allowing De la Rey to get his 2ndprofessional win.
Mnikathi v Kayambala
A dominant molestation of Mnikathi by Kyambala sees him improve is record to 3-1. I really liked his approach to this fight and am looking forwad to see Kayambala face tougher opponents so that we can get to see more of this really exciting prospect.
Bagattin v Coxen
A dodgy head-butt ends things after just 28 seconds. Personally, I think this fight should get an immediate rematch with a clause disallowing any takedowns or ground work!
Badat v Pretorius
Badat’s BJJ was simply just too slick for Pretorius, however I am still chuckling at the prospect of Badat (2-0) getting a title-shot……then again in such a shallow division anything is possible considering the fact that the co-main event had a 3-0 athlete competing for the title!
Biko v Madiba
A great tactical ground battle from Biko saw him dominate Madiba from the first hooter and despite being rocked on at least 2 occasions by Madiba, it was Biko with the win to put him back in contention for a title shot.
Biyong v Rossouw
Knowing nothing about the Cameroonian before this fight, we now all know that he has great takedown defence as well as exceptionally hard elbow strikes. An early KO by way of elbows sees a new Light Heavyweight Champion crowned and I do not see any athletes on the current EFC roster that could challenge Biyong.
Gorimba v Michael
Despite the EFC’s Media Day being postponed to allow Michael more time to get to Championship weight, he failed to make weight by 300 grams! The missed weight ensured that the Welterweight Title would to Gorimbo’s to lose and it seemed that may have been all the incentive he needed as he cut Michael deep early in the fight delaying what looked almost inevitable from the opening exchanges resulting in the Referee having to remove an athlete from a defeated opponent for the second time in the evening!
Looking forward to EFC83, Du Plessis v Lesar has been confirmed but we still await confirmation of the Lino v Fiorot clash for the ladies Flyweight strap and let’s not forget the possible welterweight clash between Tresor and Seabi ……maybe, maybe not!
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Sarah On November 1, 2019 at 1:31 pm
The issue of weight cutting will always be a problem – MMA in SA needs to look at what ONE Championship are doing.