Danie "Pitbull" Van Heerden - Fighter Profile

About Danie van Heerden

Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden comes from a boxing family, and so naturally started his fighting career as an amateur boxer. He had one amateur fight and then got involved in wrestling. Van Heerden excelled as a wrestler and earned Sedibeng colours, coming second at the national wrestling championship. Van Heerden would go on to become a pro wrestler, but scripted fights weren’t his calling and he moved into MMA where he was the master of his destiny.

Fighting in the EFC

Danie van Heerden began his EFC career at heavyweight, facing international fight Muhannad Barazi in a fight he won via KO in round one. This fight earned him a fight against Norman Wessels, in what would turn out to be a number one heavyweight contender fight. Van Heerden lost back to back fights against Wessels and JP Joubert before returning to his winning ways against Jake Els at EFC Africa 5.

Leaving the EFC and redefining himself

After his victory against Jake Els in October 2010, van Heerden left the EFC, but continued to fight in other promotions including XFC Africa and Fight Force. Here Van Heerden enjoyed mixed results, losing to Jeremy Scheepers and Michiel Opperman, but defeating Craig Fourie (twice). During this time, Danie van Heerden redefined himself as a fighter and dropped two weight divisions to become a middleweight fighter.

Fighting at middleweight

The result of his tenure outside the EFC was career defining for Danie van Heerden as he looked a completely different fighter at middleweight. In his new division, van Heerden is a huge man, and although he weighs in at 84kg, he must enter the Hexagon closer to 95kg. Van Heerden has enjoyed some success at middleweight and has strung together two impressive wins, including a win over ranked fighter Donavin Hawkey.

Road towards the EFC middleweight title

With his win over Donavin Hawkey, Danie van Heerden announced himself as a genuine contender in the middleweight division. The EFC were quick to take notice of this and have slated him to fight former middleweight champion Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan in what could prove to be a number one contender bout at EFC 14. With this win, and at most one more, Danie van Heerden will surely earn himself a shot at middleweight gold.

Danie van Heerden stats

Nickname: Pitbull                                 
Age: 25
Height: 6’2” (187cm)
Weight: 84 Kg
Weight division: Middleweight
Stance: Orthadox
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Fight team: World of Warriors
Twitter profile: @daniepitbull

Danie van Heerden fight stats

All time stats – 9 wins, 4 losses
EFC Stats – 3 wins, 2 losses (2 KO, 1 Submissions)

Danie van Heerden EFC fights

Opponent	Result	Method	Event
Donavin Hawkey	Win	Submission (Rear-naked choke)	EFC Africa 12
Jake Els	Win	TKO (Punches)	EFC Africa 5
JP Joubert	Loss	Submission (Armbar)	EFC Africa 3
Norman Wessels	Loss	TKO (Punches)	EFC Africa 2
Muhannad Barazi	Win	KO (Punch)	EFC Africa 1

Danie van Heerden Fighting Achievements

Sedibeng colours for wrestling

Second at SA national wrestling championships

               

Danie van Heerden MMA South Africa Awards

#5 MMA South Africa middleweight rankings

Surprise fighter of the night – EFC 12 

Danie van Heerden articles

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MMA Pound for Pound Rankings - April 2012

April brought with it some change to my pound for pound rankings. Firstly, fighters who have been inactive for too long a period were removed, this included local MMA legends Chris Bright, Rico Hattingh and Darren Daniel. EFC 13 too had an effect on the rankings as some fighters really put up their hands as top contenders in their respective divisions and pound for pound rankings. As a result this month’s ranking list is adorned by four new names. Here are my new South African MMA pound for pound rankings:

1. Jeremy “Pitbull” Smith (11-1)

Jeremy Smith has achieved more in his young MMA career than most South African MMA fighters. Currently on an 11 fight winning streak, the Pitbull has defeated local and international talent alike. On 2 March 2012, Jeremy Smith removed any doubt of him being the best fighter in the country by defeating a very game Garreth McLellan to earn the EFC Africa Middleweight title.

2. Costa Ioannou (4-0)

Costa Ioannou has been a dominant force in the EFC lightweight division since his debut in 2010,  manhandling his opponents en route the EFC Africa lightweight title. Ioannou was also the first fighter to successfully defend his EFC title in 2011, and still undefeated,  shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. Costa Ioannou will face former welterweight champion Adam Speechly in a lightweight title fight at EFC Africa 14.

3. Jadyson “Little Wanderlei” Costa (13-12)

Jadyson Costa has looked all but unstoppable in the EFC Hexagon. African Top Team’s Brazilian BJJ black belt has won all three of his EFC fights, and has received two submission of the night awards. At EFC 13, Costa dominated Dallas Jakobi to win the EFC Africa welterweight title and earn himself a place as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the South Africa.

4. Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (14-0)

Ruan Potts has had a dream run in the EFC, finishing every fighter the promotion has put in his path. In 2011 Potts earned himself the coveted EFC Africa heavyweight title, and later that year became the second man to successfully defend his title, mere minutes after Ioannou. Ruan Potts has won an extraordinary 14 fights in a row and has yet to be defeated in professional MMA.

5. Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan (6-2)

Garreth McLellan has evolved as a fighter over the past few years and now shows a completely well rounded game. McLellan, now 5-1 in the EFC, showed just why he is on this list in his titanic clash with Jeremy Smith at EFC 12, a fight in which he had the champion and P4P #1 in trouble on several occasions.

6. Michiel Opperman (10-6)

Riding an impressive 7 fight win streak against some of South Africa ‘s top MMA fighters, Opperman is on the brink of EFC Glory. At EFC 13, Opperman defeated Martin van Staden to become the number one welterweight contender. Opperman is a fighter who looks better each time he steps into the Hexagon and I look forward to seeing him challenging for the welterweight title in the near future.

7. Brendon Katz (7-1)

Brendon Katz’ sole professional loss was at the hands of Costa Ioannou in a fight of the night clash. Shy of that, Katz has racked up 7 wins, won an XFC title and has now made the jump to fighting internationally with great success. 

8. Demarte “The Wolf” Pena (3-0)

Reigning EFC Africa featherweight champion Demarte Pena is undefeated in the Hexagon and has defeated some of the top featherweights in the country. The wolf will face his greatest test when he meets dangerous contender Wesley Hawkey in his first title defence.

9. Wesley “The Young Assassin” Hawkey (7-2)

Wesley Hawkey has spent all of 5 minutes in the EFC Hexagon. In this time he has managed to string together 3 impressive wins, including a number one contender eliminator win against Denzil Wait. The Young Assassin will look to continue his impressive streak when he challenges Demarte Pena for the EFC featherweight title at EFC 14 in June.

10. Norman “Chef” Wessels (5-2)

Norman Wessels eradicated any doubts about his light heavyweight drop when he defeated Dain Neveling at EFC 13 in convincing fashion. Wessels, the former heavyweight champion, looked at his fighting best and sent a clear message of intent to the light heavyweight division. 

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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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MMA Light Heavyweight Rankings - April 2012

It has been a while since the South Africa light heavyweight division has been in the limelight. This all changed at EFC Africa 13 weigh-ins, when Norman Wessels and Dain Neveling stole the show. The action between the two continued in the Hexagon on fight night and ended in rather brutal fashion. The aftermath... a new fighter atop my light heavyweight rankings.  

1. Norman “Chef” Wessels (5-2)

Former EFC Africa heavyweight champion Norman Wessels had a dream start to his light heavyweight campaign, defeating Dain Neveling in the first round at EFC 13. Wessels, who transformed from a small heavyweight into a large light heavyweight, looked at his fighting best and will be a serious challenge for anyone in the division.

2. Chett “The Threat” Meyer (5-1)

Chett Meyer is one of the original EFC Light heavyweights. After a stumble against Lance Ceronio at EFC Africa 2, The Threat has bounced back with an impressive 3 fight winning streak. Chett Meyer is rumoured to be fighting JP Joubert for the vacant EFC Africa Light heavyweight title in the near future.

3. JP “The Bull” Joubert (3–2)

A former heavyweight fighter, JP Joubert had a slow start to his professional career, but managed to bounce back nicely, winning his last 3 fights. The Bull has also looked a lot more comfortable since dropping to Light Heavyweight, and is rumoured to have earned himself an EFC title shot against Chett Meyer. 

4. Paul van Vuuren (3-0)

Paul van Vuuren had a destructive run in Fight Force in 2010, managing to rack up 3 first round victories before returning to the US. Van Vuuren has wins over Jeremy Scheepers and Tumelo Maphutha. Though he has not fought in South Africa in over a year, to date Youngblood’s impressive spree has still not been matched by many in the Light Heavyweight division. 

5. Jeremy “Happy Feet” Scheepers (34-14)

Jeremy Scheepers is one of the most experienced MMA fighters in South Africa and has fought some of the country’s finest fighters. Scheepers has lost to two men on this list and has notable wins over Danie van Heerden, Michiel Opperman, Jacquest Joubert and Wade Henderson.

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MMA Middleweight Rankings - April 2012

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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MMA Welterweight rankings - April 2012

EFC 13 shook up the welterweight division, but in many ways added some definition and clarity. For the first time we have a definite champion, Jadyson Costa, and challenger, Michiel Opperman, and can look forward to another great welterweight title fight. The rest of the division is also stacked with top athletes who will ensure that the welterweight champion will have no shortage of great fights and the champion no shortage of quality opposition.

1. Jadyson Costa (13–12)

Jadyson “Little Wanderlei” Costa proved just how good he is at EFC 13. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt bested Dallas Jakobi in a predominantly stand-up affair to become the new EFC Africa welterweight champion. Having proved he has a very well rounded MMA game, Jadyson Costa (3-0 EFC) has the tools required for a long stint as champion.

2. Michiel Opperman (10-6)

Currently on a 7 fight winning streak (3-0 EFC), Michiel Opperman continued to impress at EFC 13 as he defeated Martin van Staden via standing Guillotine choke. With this victory Opperman put it beyond doubt as to who the number one welterweight contender is and will surely face Jadyson Costa for the title in the near future.

3. Martin “The Punisher” van Staden (18-6)

Martin van Staden was certainly not outclassed in his EFC 13 clash with Opperman. The Punisher spent the majority of the fight in a dominant position before being caught in a standing Guillotine. Still a threat to the welterweight division, van Staden will surely be back with a vengeance.  

4. Dallas Jakobi (12-5)

At EFC 13 Dallas Jakobi tasted defeat for the first time at welterweight. Jakobi (1-1 WW) still has plenty of great matches available in the division and will look to rebuild his way to the top .

5. Dino “The Lion” Bagattin (9-2)

Dino Bagattin returned to his winning ways with a controversial split decision win against Francois Kabulu at EFC 13. The Lion landed some nice shots but never really found a rhythm standing. He did however look to have improved on his ground game and managed to neutralise Kabulu effectively. Bagattin has some tough opponents ahead of him, but is still within sight of a title shot.

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MMA Lightweight Rankings - April 2012

A lot is happening in the lightweight division and many new fighters have begun to stake their claim as future greats.  Though there has been no real top lightweight action over the past month, there have been changes to the lightweight rankings based on inactivity and divisional changes. Adam Speechly’s drop to lightweight needed to be accounted for and due to inactivity over the past two years, Chris Bright has fallen off the rankings.

  

1. Costa Ioannou (4–0)

Undefeated in his professional career and boasting many of the biggest scalps in the division, Costa Ioannou is somewhat of an enigma in the lightweight class. He is ferocious on the feet, incredibly strong in the clinch and an expert on the ground, a mix which is proving increasingly difficult for the rest of the division to figure out. Ioannou, the current EFC Africa lightweight champion, was also the first South African to defend an EFC title, when he bested Alex Cheboub in emphatic style at EFC 10. If history is anything to go by, Costa Ioannou could be a dominant force in the hexagon for a long time to come.  

2. Brendon Katz (7-1)

Brendon Katz has a single blemish, courtesy of this list’s number one fighter, Costa Ioannou, in a fight of the night appearance. Shy of his only loss, Katz has looked impressive in the cage, and has recently made a successful jump to fighting internationally, where he has defeated USA’s Omar Santiago at XFC Africa 5 and UK’s Huseyin Garabet at UCMMA25. Hopefully we will see Brendon Katz back in the cage in South Africa soon, where he can put his wealth of experience to good use.  

3. Wentzel “The Animal” Nel (9-3)

Former EFC Africa Lightweight champion Wentzel Nel has used his wrestling to defeat some of the best in the division, including besting Leo Gloss to become the first EFC lightweight champion. Nel recently lost his lightweight crown to Costa Ioannou at EFC 08, but bounced back with a pair of wins against Manny Da Silva at EFC 09 and Terrence Griessel at EFC 11. It looks like The Animal wants his Lightweight belt back!

4. Ryan “The Lion” van Niekerk (20-6)

Ryan van Niekerk is a veteran of the sport, and has held division gold in other promotions. Van Niekerk has also fought some of the toughest names in the business including Wesley Hawkey and Chris Bright. Currently on a four fight winning streak, The Lion managed to win his EFC debut against Markus Taljaard and will be looking to build on this platform and ultimately earn an EFC Africa title shot.

5. Adam “The Prodigy” Speechly (12-3)

Former EFC Africa welterweight champion Adam Speechly will make his Lightweight debut at EFC 14 in a title fight against Costa Ioannou. Though The Prodigy has yet to fight at lightweight, his impressive welterweight resume assures him a place on this list, how he performs at lightweight, a division that I believe better suits him, will be interesting to see.

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MMA Featherweight Rankings - April 2012

EFC 13 was very quiet for the featherweight division, featuring only a single bout. The bout in question however had a big effect on the bottom of this list as Adbul Hassan managed to defeat Leo Gloss and effectively move himself up the rankings.

1. Demarte “The Wolf” Pena (3-0)

Demarte Pena recently became the youngest EFC champion in the promotions brief history. At just 21, The Wolf bested Leo Gloss in a five round unanimous decision at EFC Africa 10 in September 2011. Although fairly inexperienced, Pena has fought some big names and in addition to his win versus Gloss, holds a notable win over Jean-Luc Kazadi. With no shortage of accomplished fighters breathing down his neck, Demarte Pena will have his work cut out for him to maintain his position atop the featherweight rankings. First up is a title defence against number one contender Wesley Hawkey.

2. Wesley “The Young Assassin” Hawkey (7-2)

Wesley Hawkey is still undefeated in the EFC, with a 3-0 record. The Young Assassin was ruthless in his submission victory over Denzil Wait at EFC 12, and left no doubt as to who the number one contender for the featherweight title is. In doing so, Wesley Hawkey has earned himself a title shot against EFC Africa featherweight champion and #1 on this list, Demarte Pena.

3. Denzil “Redstarr” Wait (5-2)

Denzil Wait (1-1 EFC) will need to return to the drawing board after losing via submission to Wesley Hawkey at EFC 12. Wait, a strong grappler, did not look confident on the ground as Hawkey attempted submission after submission, almost finishing Wait on a couple of occasions. Eventually Hawkey managed to sink in a deep armbar which forced the tap and left Wait looking rather uncomfortable.

4. Abdul “Hollywood” Hassan (18-5)

Abdul Hassan (2-1 EFC) managed to neutralise Leo Gloss and earn himself a split decision victory at EFC 13. Hollywood was effective on the ground, especially in the first round when he landed some huge ground and pound punches. Having toppled the King and only lost to Denzil Wait in the EFC,  Hassan has earned himself a spot on this list.

5. Leo “King” Gloss (8-4)

Leo Gloss (6-3-1 EFC) has fought some tough competition in the EFC and the King has only lost to top 5 ranked men from two divisions. Gloss’ recent defeat to Abdul Hassan at EFC 13 has put the King in the unusual situation of having lost two straight fights. Gloss showed immense resolve and a granite chin to survive the first round against Hassan, but was not able to effectively deal with Hassan’s ground game. This is an area that Leo Gloss will need to work hard on if he wished to return to the top tier of the featherweight division.

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Neil "Goliath" Grove interview ahead of SFL debut

South African born MMA fighter Neil "Goliath" Grove (11-5-1) has made quite a name for himself in the international MMA scene. Goliath has  fought for some of the top promotions in the world, including Bellator and the UFC. Currently contracted to Bellator, Neil Grove has been released from his contract for his SFL India fight against American wrestler Todd Duffee this evening.

Neil Grove's name has also been thrown around many South African MMA circles as a potential challenger for EFC Africa's heavyweight champion Ruan Potts in the near future.

Neil Grove video interview

The video interview with Grove covers the following topics:

• Neil Grove's early career
• How Grove's fighting style has evolved of the years
• SFL India
• Fighting in the UFC and other promotions including EFC Africa
• Drugs in the sport of MMA
• Neil Grove's love for MMA and giving back in the future

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Adam “The Prodigy” Speechly fighter profile

Adam “The Prodigy” Speechly is one of the most talented grapplers in South Africa, and has won countless grappling competitions in both his weight division and the  absolute divisions.

Speechly started his career as a submission wrestler, but soon found MMA, and given his background took to it instantly, accumulating an impressive 8-1 record before being contracted by the EFC. At the time, Speechly held notable wins over Ryan van Niekerk, Alex Cheboub and Dallas Jakobi. His lone loss came at the hands of current EFC Africa Middleweight champion Jeremy “Pitbull” Smith. Speecly had also won the USP / NHBSA 8 Man elimination tournament held in September 2009.


Adam Speechly continued his success in the EFC, with a 3-1 record which earned him a title shot against Nolan Swanepoel at EFC Africa 8 in April 2011. Speechly won this fight via second round Guillotine choke to become the first EFC Africa Welterweight champion. The title however was wrested from him later that year by Dallas Jakobi in a five round decision at EFC Africa 10.

Adam Speechly will now drop to lightweight to face Costa Ioannou for the EFC Africa Lightweight title at EFC 14.

Adam Speechly Stats

Age: 23
Height: 5’9” (175cm)
Weight: 70 Kg
Weight division: Lightweight / Welterweight
Stance: Orthadox
Hometown: Johannesburg, South Africa
Fight team: Smith’s Boxing Gym
Twitter profile: @AdamSpeechly

Adam Speechly fight stats

All time stats – 12 wins, 3 losses
EFC stats – 4 wins, 2 losses (1 KO, 3 Submissions)

Adam Speechly EFC fights

Opponent	Result	Method	Event
Dallas Jakobi	Loss	Decision (Unanimous)	EFC Africa 10
Nolan Swanepoel	Win	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	EFC Africa 8
Abdullah Hamdan	Loss	KO (Punches)	EFC Africa 6
Nolan Swanepoel	Win	Submission (Rear-naked Choke)	EFC Africa 4
Russell van Heerden	Win	TKO (Elbows)	EFC Africa 3
Dino Bagattin	Win	Submission (Rear-naked Choke)	EFC Africa 2

Adam Speechly Fighting Achievements

2012 – EFC Africa Lightweight Challenger

2012 – Quantum Cup Absolute Grappling Champion (No-Gi)

2012 – Quantum Cup u75kg Grappling Champion (No-Gi)

2011 – First EFC Africa Welterweight Champion

2010 – Quantum Cup Absolute Grappling Runner up (No-Gi)

2010 – Quantum Cup u75kg Grappling Champion (No-Gi)

2009 – USP / NHBSA 8 Man elimination tournament champion

Adam Speechly MMA South Africa Awards

#2 MMA South Africa welterweightrankings

Adam Speechly Articles

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Jadyson "Little Wanderlei" Costa - Fighter Profile

Jadyson “Little Wanderlei” Costa began his martial arts career with Karate, Boxing and Muay Thai... MMA was the natural progression. Costa was dubbed “Little Wanderlei” because his fighting style resembled that of Wanderlei Silva.

Jadyson Costa describes his first MMA fights as “street” fights, with no rules and no gloves. Costa soon progressed to the big stage and has fought in organisations across the globe, including the legendary Japanese promotion – Pride. Costa has also trained with some of the biggest names in MMA, including Wanderlei Silva and Mauricio Shogun Rua.

After a series of losses, Jadyson Costa moved to South Africa to fight and teach. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt soon found a home in the EFC and showcased his incredible grappling skills to win his first two fights via submission. This earned Little Wanderlei a welterweight title shot against Dallas Jakobi at EFC 13.

Jadyson Costa stats

Nickname: Little Wanderlei
Age: 31
Height: 5’9” (175cm)
Weight: 78 Kg
Weight division: Welterweight
Stance: Orthadox
Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa
Fight team: African Top Team
Twitter profile: N/A

Jadyson Costa fight stats

EFC Stats – 2 wins, 0 losses
All time stats – 12 wins, 12 losses

Jadyson Costa EFC fights

Opponent	Result	Method	Event
James Rennie	Win	Submission (Rear-naked Choke)	EFC Africa 11
Wade Henderson	Win	Submission (Kimura)	EFC Africa 10

Jadyson Costa Fighting Achievements

Fought in Pride in Japan

Jadyson Costa Ranks Achieved

Jadyson Costa has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Jadyson Costa Articles 

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Wesley Hawkey - Fighter profile

Wesley “The Young Assassin” Hawkey is one of the most aggressive fighters in the featherweight division. Coming from a boxing family, The Young Assassin naturally got involved in the sport and excelled, becoming a junior South African champion.

Hawkey followed his brothers into MMA and enjoyed instant success, winning his first three fights en route a title shot. Hawkey was unsuccessful in his first title fight against Ryan van Niekerk, but the experience certainly helped him to evolve as a fighter.

Since his move to the Extreme Fighting Championship, Hawkey has managed to win three straight fights in under two minutes, including wins over Jean-Luc Kazadi and Denzil Wait. Hawkey’s destructive spree in the EFC has earned him a title shot against EFC featherweight champion Demarte Pena. Hawkey, who has a complete MMA game and experienced the emotion of a title fight will be a tough opponent for the reigning champion.

Wesley Hawkey has an incredible professional MMA record, finishing six of his seven opponents, all within the first round. For a self professed “white belt in Jits”, Hawkey has won via submission a remarkable 4 times. Both Hawkey’s losses have also come via submission, courtesy of Ryan van Niekerk and Francois Groenewald.

Wesley Hawkey stats
Nickname: The Young Assassin
Age: 25
Height: 5’8” (173cm)
Weight: 65 Kg
Weight division: Featherweight
Stance: Southpaw
Hometown: Durban, South Africa
Fight team: Undisputed Fight Club
Twitter profile: @YoungAssassin_1

Wesley Hawkey fight stats
EFC Stats – 3 wins, 0 losses
All time stats – 7 wins, 2 losses

Wesley Hawkey EFC fights

Opponent	Result	Method	Event
Denzil Wait	Win	Submission (Armbar)	EFC Africa 12
Victor Anyaogu	Win	TKO (Punches)	EFC Africa 11
Jean-Luc Kazadi	Win	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	EFC Africa 10

Wesley Hawkey Fighting Achievements

2010 – Fight Force title contender

South African junior boxing champion

Wesley Hawkey MMA South Africa Awards

#2 MMA South Africa featherweight rankings

#1 Most vicious fighters - featherweight

Wesley Hawkey Articles 
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Middleweight Rankings - March 2012

Jeremy Smith

EFC 12 was largely a middleweight affair. Headlined by the biggest middleweight bout on South African soil, the event featured 3 of the top 5 middleweights in the country. The rankings were shaken up somewhat by a big upset, and we have a new name in the top 5. The middleweight division is proving to be a highly competitive division in the EFC.

  

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. Now The Pitbull must face a long line of dangerous challengers who wish to dethrone the new middleweight champion.

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. 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 current 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.

4. 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.

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. Van Heerden will certainly face a high level opponent on his next outing.

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