In the wake of
EFC Africa 12 – McLellan vs Smith, it was not surprising that EFC 13 didn’t
feature many Middleweight bouts. This has left the rankings largely unchanged
for April. There are however, some serious matchups brewing and I don’t imagine
this will be the case after EFC 14.
1. Jeremy “The Pitbull” Smith (11–1)
With his title
fight win against Garreth McLellan at EFC 12, Jeremy “The Pitbull” Smith
solidified his position atop this South African Middleweight division. Smith is
now on an 11 fight winning streak, and holds notable wins over some of the
country’s finest MMA athletes.
2. Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan (6-2)
Garreth McLellan
turned in an impressive performance against Jeremy Smith at EFC 12. Soldierboy,
who suffered his first loss in the EFC Hexagon this weekend, will likely
improve as a fighter from the experience. McLellan and his team will have to
rebuild their way to a title shot in a hope to reclaim Middleweight gold.
3. Tyron “The Rush” Rightford (3-0)
A newcomer to MMA
and the EFC, Rightford has quickly risen through the Middleweight ranks,
besting everyone put in front him. The Rush’s recent demolition of MMA veteran
Jacques Joubert at EFC Africa 11 earned him a position on this list and
identified him as genuine contender in the Middleweight division. With a style
similar to former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, Tyron Rightford
uses his explosive Karate to simply outclass his opponents on the feet. If his,
as of yet untested, ground game is solid, Rightford could very well be a future EFC Africa
Middleweight champion.
4. Darren “Double D” Daniel (5-1)
Darren Daniel is highly respected amongst the MMA elite. With notable wins over some of South Africa’s top MMA fighters, including former EFC Africa Welterweight champion Dallas Jakobi, Daniel is surely one of the greatest fighting talents South Africa has produced. Another Fight Fit Militia product, Daniel is ever improving as a fighter. Although quiet of late, there are whispers of Daniel’s return to the EFC and upon his return, is at most one win away from an EFC Africa Middleweight title shot.
5. Danie “Pitbull” Van Heerden (9-4)
Danie van Heerden
was afforded a golden opportunity in Donavin Hawkey at EFC 12. Hawkey, a top
middleweight contender, was a firm favourite going into the bout, but this did
not stop van Heerden from pulling off an impressive upset victory and
catapulting up the Middleweight rankings.
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