MMA Heavyweight Rankings - April 2012

The South African heavyweight division and particularly the EFC heavyweight division has had an influx of new fighters. This should make for some interesting matches going forward and possibly some new additions to this ranking list in the near future. EFC 13 featured 3 heavyweight bouts containing 3 debutants. There was also a high profile fight between Calven Robinson and Bernardo Mikixi which directly affected the current heavyweight standings below.  

1. Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (14-0)

In November 2011, Ruan Potts became the first heavyweight champion to defend his EFC title, when he submitted dangerous contender Andrew van Zyl. With a 14 fight winning streak, including notable wins over Norman Wessels, Andrew van Zyl and Calven Robinson, Ruan Potts is not only the EFC Africa heavyweight champion, but now the #1 heavyweight in South Africa. Unfortunately Potts’ list of potential challengers is dwindling rapidly, as the champion continues to dominate the division.

2. Rico “White Lion” Hattingh (14–2)

A pioneer of the sport, Hattingh still remains undefeated in South Africa, having acquired both his losses in the USA. The Capetonian Heavyweight recently steamrolled Jake Els in his EFC Africa debut, but was forced to put his title hopes against Potts on hold due to injury. We hope to see this Juggernaut of South African MMA back in action soon, where he will no doubt be assured of a title shot and a chance to showcase his skills to the newer MMA fans.

3. Andrew "One Gear" van Zyl (8-1)

Van Zyl will look to bounce back after his defeat to Ruan Potts at EFC Africa 11. One Gear, who suffered his first professional loss to Potts, will take something from the experience and likely be hungrier than ever. I hope to see a much improved van Zyl upon his return to the Hexagon.

4. Bernardo “Black Panther” Mikixi (5-3)

Mikixi has had his stats skewed, largely due to the EFC pitting him against top level opposition with a regularity not common in South Africa. Bernardo Mikixi was able to defeat Calven Robinson via TKO at EFC 13 to displace him in the heavyweight rankings and edge himself closer to another shot at the heavyweight title.

5. Calven “The Butcher” Robinson (8-2)

Calven Robinson returned from retirement at EFC 13 to face Bernardo Mikixi. The Durban-based heavyweight was defeated by Mikixi and now holds a 0-2 record in the EFC Hexagon. Both losses have come via men on this list – Ruan Potts and Bernardo Mikixi.


View all : South African MMA Rankings

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Bernardo Mikixi vs Calven Robinson EFC 13 Video

Bernardo Mikixi and Calven Robinson are two of the biggest athletes in South African MMA. Both fighters possess knockout power and will be bringing it to the Hexagon at EFC 13 on 13 April 2012.

Here is the latest promo video released by the EFC for the titanic clash between Mikixi and Robinson.

Bernardo Mikixi vs Calven Robinson EFC 13 promo video

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Heavyweight Rankings - March 2012

Ruan Potts

The Heavyweight division has not seen all too much action over the last period, yet due to divisional moves, fighters returning from retirement and others being injured, the heavyweight ranking list has proved to be one of the more fickle. Here are my latest heavyweight rankings as of March 2012.

  

1. Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (14-0)

In November 2011, Ruan Potts became the first heavyweight champion to defend his EFC title when he submitted dangerous contender Andrew van Zyl. With a 14 fight winning streak, including notable wins over Norman Wessels, Andrew van Zyl and Calven Robinson, Ruan Potts is not only the EFC Africa heavyweight champion, but now the #1 heavyweight in South Africa. Unfortunately Potts’ list of potential challengersis dwindling rapidly, as the champion continues to dominate the division.

2. Rico “White Lion” Hattingh (14–2)

A pioneer of the sport, Hattingh still remains undefeated in South Africa, having acquired both his losses in the USA. The Capetonian Heavyweight recently steamrolled Jake Els in his EFC Africa debut, but was forced to put his title hopes against Potts on hold due to injury. We hope to see this Juggernaut of South African MMA back in action soon, where he will no doubt be assured of a title shot and a chance to showcase his skills to the newer MMA fans.

3. Andrew "One Gear" van Zyl (8-1)

Van Zyl will look to bounce back after his defeat to Ruan Potts at EFC Africa 11. One Gear, who suffered his first professional loss to Potts, will take something from the experience and likely be hungrier than ever. I hope to see a much improved van Zyl upon his return to the Hexagon.

4. Calven “The Butcher” Robinson (8-1)

After retiring from the sport last year, Calven Robinson has once more been signed by the EFC. The butcher willclash with Bernardo Mikixi at EFC 13 in a colossal battle between two massive men. Having received his first professional loss at the hands of Potts at EFC Africa 7, Robinson will look to bounce back with a win against Mikixi, and return to his very familiar winning ways.

5. Bernardo “Black Panther” Mikixi (4-3)

Mikixi has had his stats skewed, largely due to the EFC pitting him against top level opposition with a regularity not common in South Africa. While his results have been mixed, the Black Panther has continually improved and at times posed problems to van Zyl in their June fight. Mikixi will face fellow titan Calven Robinson at EFC 13.

View all division rankings here: South African MMA Rankings 

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EFC 13 - Mikixi vs Robinson

The Extreme Fighting Championship has announced its first heavyweight clash for the upcoming EFC Africa 13 event in Cape Town. The fight will see Cape Town resident Bernardo Mikixi take on Durbanite Calven Robinson.

Bernardo "The Black Panther" Mikixi (#5 SA heavyweight rankings) has fought many of the top heavyweights in South Africa, including former heavyweight champion Normal Wessels and title contender Andrew Van Zyl. Fighting out of Parklands, Cape Town, the Judoka will look to put on a show for his home fans.

Calven "The Butcher" Robinson retired after his fight against Ruan Potts a year ago, incidentally this was also his first professional MMA loss. His MMA career it seems is not quite done as he once more returns to the Hexagon to fight Mikixi. A win for Robinson could put him right back in the top contender list and help him build his way towards a title shot.

This fight promises to be a slug-fest between two of the strongest and hardest hitting men to set foot in the EFC Hexagon.

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Ruan Potts vs Calven Robinson Heavyweight Fight

Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (10-0) and Calven “The Butcher” Robinson (8-0) both came into the fight looking big, strong and focussed. A battle of undefeated Goliaths, this fight promised to be exciting and would certainly put an end to one of the fighters’ impressive win streaks.

After a friendly touch of gloves in the centre of the Hexagon, Calven Robinson began stalking Ruan Potts. This lasted all of 20 seconds, before a Potts leg kick unbalanced Robinson, and pushing forward, Potts managed to close the distance and tie The Butcher up against the cage. The two monsters battled for supremacy in the clinch, landing occasional inconsequential short shots.

Robinson eventually managed to free his arms and land a few body shots, but this enabled Potts, who had a arm over his head, to complete a Muay Thai plum and land two vicious knees, the second of which sent Robinson to the canvas. Potts followed him to the ground and from a mounted position landed a flurry of heavy punches to Robinson’s head. Robinson maintained a high defensive position, using his forearms to shield his face, but was not defending himself intelligently and referee Arno Pienaar was forced to call a stop to the bout at 1:20 into round 1. Ruan Potts was declared the winner via TKO.

Ruan Potts certainly made a dream start to his EFC career statement to the EFC heavyweight division. Potts’ next opponent will do well to be weary of  his devastating Muay Thai skills. After the bout Calven Robinson announced his retirement from professional MMA. His professional career record was 8 wins 1 loss.

EFC 07 - Ruan Potts vs Calven Robinson Full Fight Video

EFC Africa 7 - Ruan Potts vs Calven Robinson Promo Video

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