Matches to make after EFC 13

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Cape Town’s first Extreme Fighting Championship event is a thing of the past and it is time to use the results from EFC 13 to plan future great fights. Here are some fights which I think the EFC Matchmakers should make going forward.

Jadyson Costa vs Michiel Opperman (Welterweight title fight)

Having accomplished his goal of becoming the EFC Africa welterweight champion, Jadyson Costa will now have long list of fighters gunning for his title. First in line is Michiel Opperman, who defeated Martin van Staden at EFC 13 to become the number one welterweight contender. Opperman has looked impressive at welterweight and brings size, reach, dangerous striking and an ever improving ground game to the Hexagon. Jadyson Costa vs Michiel Opperman will be a very interesting contest.

Dallas Jakobi vs Nolan Swanepoel

Dallas Jakobi may have lost his welterweight title, but there is still plenty for him to do in the division. First up, a fight against Nolan Swanepoel, a fighter who has strung together a 3-3 record in the EFC. All of Swanepoel’s losses are at the hands of top 5 welterweights, Adam Speechly (twice) and Martin van Staden. Both Jakobi and Swanepoel could use this fight as the first step on the ladder towards a title shot.  

Don Madge vs Leon Mynhardt 2

EFC 13’s bout between Don Madge and Leon Mynhardt was a spectacular striking display. The lightweight clash was awarded the fight of the night by both MMA South Africa and EFC Africa. The fight ended with a controversial TKO victory in favour of Leon Mynhardt. Due to the fact that the fight was so good, so close and was not ended in a conventional manner, I can’t imagine any MMA fan who would not want to see this fight again and receive some final closure.

Martin van Staden vs Dino Bagattin

Martin van Staden and Dino Bagattin have both suffered setbacks in their quests to win the EFC Africa welterweight title. This matchup, which has been scheduled twice and cancelled twice, will be a great fight for the fans and help the winner edge closer to the coveted title shot.

Bernardo Mikixi vs Mahmoud Hassan

Both fighters are large men with heavy hands and Mikixi and Hassan promises to be a brutal affair. With both men coming off an EFC win, the winner of this bout would be a potential challenger for Ruan Potts, something that the heavyweight division desperately needs.

Norman Wessels vs Jeremy Scheepers

Norman Wessels’ notable win over Dain Neveling at EFC 13 has no doubt got the attention of the light heavyweight division. Jeremy Scheepers (2-1 EFC), has only lost to J.P. Joubert (#2 Light Heavyweight rankings) in the EFC. Both Chef and Scheepers will be eyeing a light heavyweight title shot in the near future and a win against another top tier fighter will certainly aid their cause.

Wade Henderson vs JP Kruger

Wade Henderson and JP Kruger would make for an exciting chess match, as both fighters have shown good all-round MMA games. Kruger and Henderson are also both coming off EFC wins and looking to work their way up the Middleweight ladder.  

Posted in: Dallas Jakobi, Dino Bagattin, EFC, EFC 13, Jadyson Costa, Martin van Staden, Matches to make, Michiel Opperman, Norman Wessels