EFC Africa - Fight Statistics

The Extreme Fighting Championship has done wonders for South African MMA. In a previous article, 5 most momentous EFC events, I summarised the history of the promotion and listed some of its groundbreaking achievements. This article however, is less about the events and more about that which makes the promotion’s events tick – the EFC fights. For the sake of posterity, I have delved a little deeper into this fight data and recorded my findings.

In just over 2 years, the EFC has successfully concluded 157 fights spanning 13 events and  7  weight divisions. Here is some of the information on EFC fights and fighters which has come to light in my initial analysis:

Most active EFC divisions

Each weight division offers something different for the fans and because of this, fight cards are generally divided up amongst the promotions key divisions. In the EFC’s history, here are the weight divisions which have had the majority of the limelight:

EFC Division	Fights
Welterweight	45
Middleweight	32
Lightweight	26
Heavyweight	19
Light Heavyweight	19
Featherweight	15
Super Heavyweight	1

Most common EFC fight results

An MMA bout can end in various ways. Some fights are ended by the fighters in the Hexagon, others are left up to the judges to decide. Here are the most common ways in which EFC fights end:

Fight result	Fights
TKO	63
Submission	62
Decision	17
KO	14
Disqualification	1

Most common EFC submissions

The sport of MMA offers fighters many different submission manoeuvres. Some are high percentage, others riskier. Here are the most commonly executed submissions in the Hexagon:

Submission	Fights
Rear-naked Choke	28
Guillotine Choke	10
Armbar	9
Triangle Choke	8
Keylock	2
Kimura	2
Heek Hook	1
Omoplata	1

Most common round for EFC fights to finish

Most EFC Africa fights are scheduled for a 3 rounds of five minutes. Title fights consist of 5 rounds of five minutes. Here are the most common rounds in which fights finish:

Round fight finished	Fights
Round 1	101
Round 2	25
Round 3	26
Round 4	3
Round 5	2

Fighters with the most EFC fights

Since the EFC’s maiden event in 2009, the EFC Hexagon has been graced by 127 fighters from across South Africa and the globe. Here are the faces we see most often in the cage:

EFC Fighter	Fights
Leo Gloss	9
Wade Henderson	9
Jacques Joubert	7
Dino Bagattin	7
Wentzel Nel	7
Nolan Swanepoel	7
Dallas Jakobi	6
Leon Mynhardt	6
Garreth McLellan	6
Adam Speechly	6
Norman Wessels	5
Alex Cheboub	5
Danie van Heerden	5
Raymond Ahana	5
Remo Ralph	5
Bernardo Mikixi	5
JP Joubert	5
Chett Meyer	5
Juan Lubbe	5
Francois Kabulu	5

Fighters with the most EFC wins

Every fighter who sets foot in the Hexagon does so with a similar goal – to win. Of the 75 fighters who have won fights in the EFC, here are the most successful EFC fighters in terms of wins inside the promotion:

EFC Fighter	Wins
Leo Gloss	6
Garreth McLellan	5
Wentzel Nel	5
Dino Bagattin	5
Norman Wessels	4
Jacques Joubert	4
Costa Ioannou	4
Chett Meyer	4
Ruan Potts	4
Wade Henderson	4
Dallas Jakobi	4
Nolan Swanepoel	4
Adam Speechly	4

Fighters with the most EFC losses

For every winner, there must be a loser and 94 fighters have lost fights within the promotion. Here are the fighters who have lost the most fights inside the EFC Hexagon:

EFC Fighter	Losses
Wade Henderson	5
Remo Ralph	4
Jacques Joubert	3
Francois Kabulu	3
Jean-Luc Kazadi	3
Ashley Calvert	3
Raymond Ahana	3
Ian Swart	3
Chad Hepburn	3
Jake Els	3
Leo Gloss	3
Mawande Vapi	3
Luis Mendes	3
Juan Lubbe	3
Gina Ifuki	3
Nolan Swanepoel	3
Leon Mynhardt	3

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EFC Africa 13 fight predictions

With EFC Africa 13 less than a week away, I have taken the time to put my official EFC 13 fight predictions down on paper.  As is customary with predicting fights, this was no easy task. There are many close fights and many new fighters and I was often left in two minds as to who I thought would win. Still, like a true warrior I have managed to overcome said obstacles. Here are my EFC 13 predictions:

Dallas Jakobi vs Jadyson Costa (Welterweight title fight)

Dallas Jakobi will come out the aggressor and want to play to his strengths and keep the fight standing. Jadyson Costa will exchange with the champion, but always look for an opportunity to take the fight to ground. Short of a big Jakobi bomb landing, the fight will eventually go to ground and here is where it gets real. Jakobi has shown brutal ground and pound and will look to work the top position en route a TKO stoppage. Costa however, is just that much sharper off his back than Jakobi’s previous opponents, opponents who have put the champ in precarious situations. I believe Jadyson Costa will sneak in a triangle choke in the closing moments of the first frame to become the new EFC Africa Welterweight champion.

Read my full fight preview: Dallas Jakobi vs Jadyson Costa EFC 13 fight preview

Bernardo Mikixi vs Calven Robinson (Heavyweight)

Bernardo Mikixi and Calven Robinson are huge, powerful athletes and both possess knock out power. This fight could go either way, but I predict a fair amount of time will be spent in the clinch where  Robinson will be the more effective fighter. I have Robinson by TKO in the first.

Don Madge vs Leon Mynhardt (Lightweight)

Both Mynhardt and Madge will fancy their chances standing and this promises to be a striking match out of the top drawer. It is possible that either fighter adopts a  tactical ground-based game plan to counter the other, but somehow the likelihood of this fight going to the ground seems slim and the chances of it finishing there even slimmer. I predict an action packed fight, with both fighters landing some power shots. It really could go either way, but I think Don Madge will use his height and reach to take the fight away from Leon Mynhardt in the second round en route a TKO victory.

Read my full fight preview: Leon Mynhardt vs Don Madge EFC 13 fight preview

Martin van Staden vs Michiel Opperman (Welterweight)

Michiel Opperman is not the most aggressive striker, which plays into Martin van Staden’s hands, as given time he is an expert at identifying and exploiting weaknesses. As the fight progresses,  I believe van Staden will begin to dictate the pace and look to take it to the mat. A lot will depend on Opperman’s ability to land counter strikes while defending the take down. I believe Van Staden will have a tough time getting him down, but will eventually succeed in the second round, secure his position and end the fight via ground and pound TKO.

Read my full fight preview: Martin van Staden vs Michiel Opperman EFC 13 fight preview

Dino Bagattin vs Francois Kabulu (Welterweight)

There is no doubt in my mind that this fight will take place predominantly on the feet. Francois Kabulu will likely push forward and throw his trademark bombs, while Bagattin will look to find his range and counter his somewhat wilder opponent. Such a bout could end with a single punch, but I believe Bagattin will keep his composure, use good movement and pick his shots to simply outbox Kabulu. After landing several shots throughout the fight, I believe Dino Bagattin with floor Kabulu in the second round to earn a TKO victory.

Read my full fight preview: Dino Bagattin vs Francois Kabulu EFC 13 fight preview

Norman Wessels vs Dain Neveling (Light Heavyweight)

I must admit, I have not seen Dain Neveling fight, but from what I have read he has a solid ground game and knockout power – a deadly combination. Wessels however, is a master tactician with an all round MMA game and a wealth of experience in the EFC Hexagon. I believe Norman Wessels will come into the fight well prepared, likely take the fight to the ground and end it in the first round.

Wade Henderson vs James Le Roux (Middleweight)

Wade Henderson has been extremely active against high level opposition of late. This will give him a huge advantage against Le Roux, who has not fought in the EFC since 2010.  Henderson will dictate this fight from the onset and win via TKO in the first round.

Ricky Misholas vs Mahmoud Hassn (Heavyweight)

This will likely be a heavyweight slugfest. Mahmoud Hassn is a very dangerous professional boxer, but  Misholas will fancy his stand-up skills after his knockout victory at EFC 12. I think Hassn will be crisper and finish Misholas via first round KO.

Abdul Hassan vs Leo Gloss (Featherweight)

Hassan and Gloss are two of the most experienced featherweights in the EFC. Both men are coming off losses and will want to return to their winning ways. I believe Gloss will be the stronger fighting on his feet, and with his improving take down defence and ground skills, will be able to eke out a unanimous decision victory.

Mahmoud Salama vs Jason Culverwell (Light Heavyweight)

I don’t know either of these fighters, but off records alone, I have to bet on Mahmoud Salama to take the win. As debutants I imagine they will start slowly and we will likely see the second round. I predict Salama will use his kickboxing and MMA experience to earn himself  a TKO stoppage in the second round.

Johan van Staden vs Alain Ilunga (Lightweight)

Johan van Staden should defeat the debutante Ilunga without too many problems. Van Staden, who recently moved to the FightFit Militia camp, looks in great shape and has a wealth of experience. I believe he will win via first round submission.

Armand De Bruyn vs Abrie Valentine (Middleweight)

Armand De Bruyn has not seen the second round in the EFC Hexagon, I don’t believe things will change at EFC 13. I believe De Bruyn will dictate the fight and defeat Valentine via first round TKO.  

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Jadyson Costa - EFC 10 Submission of the night

Jadyson Costa made an impressive EFC Africa debut against veteran Wade Henderson.

After a brief exchange on the feet, Costa shot for a single and scored a taken down. Henderson quickly reversed the position and ended up in Jadyson's full guard. Costa attempted various submissions unsuccessfully before landing a Kimura which forced Henderson to tap with 1:44 left in the first round.

Jadyson Costa vs Wade Henderson EFC 10 Submission of the night

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El Grande - Ultimate Power Challenge March 2012

Fighting Fit Kensington

Every Sunday, the fields opposite the 46 Brigade Army Base in Kensington, Johannesburg are transformed into a community fitness boot camp. Hosted by 46 KSCA (Kensington Spots Club and Academy), Fighting Fit Kensington is a complete workout divided into fifteen 1 minute exercises. The community workout takes place every Sunday from 10-11am and is free to the public. This is a great initiative for the Kensington community, both physically and socially.

El Grande – Ultimate Power Challenge

The El Grande Tyre

Once a month, Fighting Fit Kensington’s traditional workout is extended and athletes are able to test themselves against the mammoth El Grande Tyre. The El Grande Tyre weighs 700kg and the challenge is to push the tyre over an 80m course in the fastest possible time. The top 3 athletes from each monthly event qualify for an annual final and a chance to win prizes up to the value of R10,000.

EFC at El Grande

The El Grande events are frequented by some of the EFC’s top fighters and a great energy surrounds the event. EFC Africa fighter Wade Henderson was at the El Grande event on Sunday, no doubt training for EFC 13: Henderson vs James Le Roux

EFC's Wade Henderson tackles the El Grande Challenge

The EFC also uses the event to present their MMA title holders with official championship rings. This also gives the public a chance to interact with their favourite champions, take pictures or get autographs signed. 

EFC Championship Ring

Jeremy Smith at El Grande

The latest El Grande event, held on March 25th 2012, was attended by  EFC Africa Middleweight Champion Jeremy “Pitbull” Smith, who was presented with the championship ring that he earned at EFC Africa 12.

Jeremy Pitbull Smith presented with his EFC Ring

Dirk Steenekamp, Jeremy Smith, Cairo Howarth and Pietro Cignoli in front of the El Grande Tyre

Jeremy Smith takes photographs with fans at El Grande

All articles on: El Grande

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Wade Henderson vs James Le Roux EFC 13

The EFC Africa 13 fight card has made come great strides towards completion in the past few days. Today another middleweight clash has been announced between recently re-contracted EFC favourite Wade Henderson and Cape Town based fighter James Le Roux.

Wade "The G.O.A.T" Henderson (22-13), who has had a rather tumultuous time in the EFC of late, solidified his place within the promotion by defeating Josh Muller at EFC 12. Henderson was quick to announce that he would be returning to Middleweight, a weight he feels more comfortable at. In typical fashion, The G.O.A.T wasted no time in returning to the Hexagon, and just six weeks after his last fight, will enter the EFC Hexagon in Cape Town in the Middleweight division.

James "Jambo" Le Roux (1-1) is fairly new to professional MMA, and has only fought in the EFC once before. In August 2010, Le Roux was bested by Chett Meyer (#1 Light heavyweight rankings). James Le Roux who now trains with African Top Team, will look to make a statement in front of his home crowd at EFC 13 against the MMA veteran Henderson.

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Gavin Britz vs Wade Henderson & Ashley Calvert vs Josh Muller Video - Quantum Cup 2011

Gavin Britz rolls against Wade Henderson on the left mat, while Ashley Calvert rolls Josh Muller on the right mat. Both fights are semi finals in the Absolute division of the 2011 Quantum Cup, which took place at Quantum Tribe in May last year.

Britz vs Henderson is a 15 minutes marathon roll, but ends with a nice submission. Calvert vs Muller is a lot quicker and more intense.

Gavin Britz vs Wade Henderson & Ashley Calvert vs Josh Muller Video - Quantum Cup 2011


Part 1 of 2

Part 2 of 2

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MMA South Africa Community update

As another week draws to an end, its time to recap on the effects the past few days have had on the South African MMA community. As always, if you know of any other interesting news or events, please let me know on my twitter account: MMA South Africa

South African MMA Annoucements
The Extreme Fighting Championship has released details of its upcoming event EFC Africa 13 to be held in Cape Town later this year. Though still largely unpopulated, the beginnings of a fight card have been released. The event will be headlined by a Welterweight title fight between Dallas Jakobi and Jadyson Costa. Here is a link for all articles pertaining to: EFC 13 Articles


South African MMA Articles
With EFC Africa 12 just around the corner, it is not surprising that the majority of the media attention is circling around the event. Here are a few local articles I found :

MMAWear interviews Wade Henderson
MMAWear talks to Wade "G.O.A.T" Henderson prior to his EFC 12 bout with Josh Muller. The interiew touches on the following points:

• Henderson's dislike for Muller
• Henderson's training camp for the fight
• Henderson's future in MMA

Click here for the full interview

MMAWear interviews Josh Muller
A recent interview conducted with Josh "The Jedi" Muller ahead of his EFC Africa 12 fight against Wade Henderson. The interview covers the following topics:

• Preparation for his upcoming fight
• The grudge between Muller and Henderson
• Muller's future plans in the sport 

Click here for the full interview

MMAWear interviews Richard Quan
Richard Quan is the head coach at Fight Fit Militia, one of South Africa's top fighting teams. The team is currently home to many EFC Africa champions, including featherweight champion Demarte Pena, lightweight champion Costa Ioannou and middleweight champion Garreth McLellan. Former heavyweight champion Normal Wessels and top ranked light heavyweight Chett Meyer bolster the already star studded list. In this interview Quan discusses:

• Quan's fighting and MMA background
• Quan's goals and aspirations in the sport of MMA and for FFM
• The mindset behind Fight Fight Militia

Click here for the full interview 
 


Fight Republic interviews Denzil Wait
An interview conducted with Denzil "Redstarr" Wait ahead of his EFC Africa 12 fight against Wesley Hawkey. The interview covers the following topics:

• Preparation for his upcoming fight
• The EFC featherweight division
• Wait's history in MMA and greatest influence
• MMA in South Africa

Click here for the full interview

South African MMA Events
Upcoming events largely focus around the first major event of the MMA year - EFC 12

Meet the EFC fighters
25 February, Nationwide
Some of the EFC professional fighters will be meeting the public and signing autographs at various Nu Metro cinemas around the country:
Hyde Park – Garreth McLellan, Demarte Pena, Costa Ioannou
The Glen – Jeremy Smith, Dino Bagattin, Wade Henderson
Canal Walk – Jadyson Costa, Paul Terblanche
Pavilion – Donavin and Wesley Hawkey
More info

EFC Africa 12 main event
2 March, Carnival City, Johannesburg
The event we have all been waiting for is now just a week away. Watch Garreth "Soldierboy" McLellan defend his middleweight title against Jeremy "Pitbull" Smith and 11 other professional Mixed Martial Arts fights.
More info: EFC 12 fight card, EFC 12 predictions

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