Following a longer lay-period than usual, both between
events and blog posts, EFC Africa 16 is now just around the corner. The event
will play host to three title fights from across the weight division spectrum –
featherweight, welterweight and heavyweight.
The much anticipated sixteenth edition of Africa’s biggest
MMA spectacle has had many changes to the fight card since it was initially
announced and there are many new names on the roster, here is the latest
rendition and my predictions for the fights.
EFC 16 fight predictions
Ruan Potts vs Bernardo Mikixi (Heavyweight title fight)
Winner: Ruan Potts via Submission
If Bernardo Mikixi is going to win this fight, he has one
way to do it – swing and swing hard. The Black Panther has shown impressive
knock-out power in his last few fights, but his ground game appears to have
some serious holes.
Though Ruan Potts has the tools to exploit this weakness in
Mikixi, the undefeated champion has also shown a willingness to stand and
trade, confident in his own abilities. Though likely still a favourite in the
stand-up, should Potts choose to trade with Mikixi he will afford his opponent
a much greater chance in this bout.
Ruan Potts is an experienced fighter, too experienced I feel
to let Mikixi into the fight. Potts will close the distance early, get the
fight to the ground and submit Bernardo Mikixi in the first round to retain his
EFC Africa heavyweight title.
Jadyson Costa vs Michiel Opperman (Welterweight title fight)
Winner: Michiel Opperman via TKO
Jadyson Costa has proven his mettle in the EFC. The current
welterweight champion is a wizard on the ground, has great striking skills and
experience second to none in the promotion. Costa is on a three fight winning
streak and has shown no signs of slowing down. The former Pride fighter has
even begun to showboat and toy with his opponents, signs that his confidence is
at an all time high.
Michiel Opperman is the polar opposite of Jadyson Costa - a
technical striker who, over the last few years, has worked tirelessly improving
his ground game. Opperman is methodical in the Hexagon and doesn't appear to
show any emotion.
Jadyson Costa will be the hands down favourite going into
this fight, but I believe that Opperman has the skillset to upset the Brazilian
champion. Using his size, reach and ever improving wrestling skills, I believe
Opperman will be able to keep the fight standing, a domain where he will likely
hold the advantage. One can never write off the champion, but I am going to
predict the Opperman wins via second round TKO.
Demarte Pena vs Terrence Griessel (Featherweight title fight)
Winner: Demarte
Pena via Submission
Demarte Pena has shown that he knows how to win fights. The
young champion has not had an easy run to the top, but has overcome adversity
like a true champion, and gained a wealth of experience doing so. Pena looks
better every time he steps into the Hexagon, a dangerous thought for
featherweight division fighters.
Terrence Griessel’s recent drop to featherweight was a
successful one, besting Gareth Buirski en route a title shot (after Nel was
unable to fight). Griessel is a strong, tenacious featherweight, who has been
given a great opportunity to make a statement.
Both fighters are grinders, and I don't expect this fight to
end quickly. I believe Pena will be a little quicker in the stand-up and more
fluid on the ground. I predict that, after a few long rounds on the mat,
Demarte Pena will seize an opportunity to finish Griessel via submission in the
later rounds.
EFC 16 Non–title fight predictions
|
Winner
|
Loser
|
Method
|
Round
|
|
Wade Henderson
|
Tumelo Maphuta
|
Submission
|
1
|
|
Markus Taljaard
|
Gareth Buirski
|
Decision
|
3
|
|
Francois Kabulu
|
Nicholas Radley
|
Decision
|
3
|
|
Andrew van Zyl
|
Ian Visser
|
Submission
|
1
|
|
JC Lamprecht
|
Daniel Sinclair
|
TKO
|
2
|
|
Danie van Heerden
|
Dain Neveling
|
Submission
|
2
|
|
Jean-Luc Kazadi
|
Francois Groenewald
|
TKO
|
2
|
|
Wade Groth
|
Khalil Akleker
|
TKO
|
1
|
|
Brendon Groenewald
|
Sors Grobbelaar
|
Submission
|
1
|
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