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.


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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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Top 5 MMA Heavyweights in South Africa

The sport of MMA in South Africa is still very much in its infancy, and without a large track record and distinguished fighters, it is very difficult to accurately define a hierarchy within each weight division. The ever growing popularity of MMA within Africa and especially South Africa, should change this going forward, for now however, I have compiled South African MMA rankings based on historical performances as well as recent form. First up, the big boys... herewith the Top 5 MMA Heavyweights in South Africa:

  

1.       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.

2.       Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (13-0)

In June, Ruan Potts defeated Normal Wessels to earn the EFC Africa Heavyweight title and cement his place on this list. Still undefeated in his professional MMA career, Potts has expressed interest in fighting Hattingh in what promises to be a clash of the titans. A multifaceted fighter, with notable Muay Thai standup and BJJ ground skills, Potts will put his title on the line against Andrew Van Zyl in November.

3.       Norman “Chef” Wessels (4-2)

Despite losing the EFC Africa Heavyweight title to Ruan Potts in June, Wessels proved he is deserved of a spot on this list. The former champion looked to have Potts in trouble at various times throughout their 3 round tussle and will surely be looking to reclaim his title in the near future.

4.       Andrew "One Gear" van Zyl (8-0)

Van Zyl has staked his claim as one of South Africa’s best heavyweights with an impressive eight fight winning streak. Van Zyl, who recently defeated Bernardo Mikixi, has earned himself a Heavyweight title shot against one of the most dangerous men in the division, Ruan "Fangzz" Potts in November. A win for Van Zyl would certainly shoot him up the rankings.

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. Two of his losses have come from men on this list. While his results have been mixed, the Black Panther has continually improved and at times posed problems to van Zyl in their June fight.

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