Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden EFC 14 middleweight fight preview

EFC 14 will play host to a huge middleweight clash between former EFC Africa middleweight champion Garreth McLellan and rising middleweight contender Danie van Heerden. Though not officially announced, there is a strong possibility that this will fight will prove to be a number one middleweight contender bout. I discussed this in my article: Who will challenge Jeremy Smith?

Garreth McLellan (6-2)

Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan (#2 Middleweight Rankings) is one of the most popular MMA fighters in South Africa and has reached the highest levels in the sport. At EFC 12, McLellan lost his EFC middleweight title to Jeremy Smith in a fight of the night clash. After taking stock of his loss, Soldierboy is hell bent on reclaiming his title and will take the first step towards doing so when he steps into the EFC Hexagon against Danie van Heerden.

Garreth McLellan

Garreth McLellan road to EFC Africa 14

Opponent	Result	Method	Event
Barry Britz	Win	TKO (Punches)	EFC Africa 1
Juan Lubbe	Win	KO (Punch)	EFC Africa 2
Warren Allison	Win	Submission (Armbar)	EFC Africa 3
Wade Henderson	Win	Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)	EFC Africa 5
Jacques Joubert	Win	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	EFC Africa 8
Jeremy Smith	Loss	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	EFC Africa 12

Danie van Heerden (9-4)

Danie “Pitbull” van Heerden (#5 Middleweight Rankings) made a huge statement at EFC Africa 12 by defeating ranked fighter Donavin Hawkey in the first round. This victory catapulted van Heerden into the top 5 rankings and caused speculation about a possible title shot in the near future. Danie van Heerden will now face a tough test in Garreth McLellan in his highest profile MMA fight to date.

Danie Van Heerden

Danie van Heerden road to EFC Africa 14

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

Garreth McLellan and Danie van Heerden - Fighter Comparison

Stand-up advantage

Danie van Heerden comes from a boxing family and is an aggressive fighter with good hands, he also has good take downs which can affect how fighters approach him. Garreth McLellan is a very well rounded, technical and calculated striker and I think he will be comfortable standing with Van Heerden. While both fighters have different approaches to the stand-up game, I think it will be fairly even on the night.

Ground advantage

In my opinion Garreth McLellan has an advantage on the ground. Soldierboy has spent a fair amount of his recent cage time on the mat and has looked effective in this realm. McLellan also has the tools to neutralise Van Heerden’s wrestling skills, and should be able to dictate the fight should it go down.

Physical advantage

Garreth McLellan is one of the most diligent athletes in the EFC and always enters the EFC Hexagon in fantastic shape. Even though Danie van Heerden is the bigger man and should come into the Hexagon with a few extra kilos, this should not be enough to give him any real advantage. The question will be how Van Heerden will fair should the fight be drawn out. All in all, I don’t think there will be any significant physical advantage for either fighter.

Mental advantage

McLellan has seen and done it all in the Hexagon and should carry a mental edge into this fight. Van Heerden, though experienced in MMA, has not has the same big fight exposure.

Garreth McLellan  – Keys to victory

Garreth McLellan is an intelligent, well conditioned fighter. The longer this fight goes on, the more it will favour him

• Expect an aggressive start from Van Heerden
• Fight from the outside and avoid exchanges with Van Heerden
• Use leg kicks to wear Van Heerden down
• Take the fight to the ground if an opportunity presents itself

Danie van Heerden – Keys to victory

Danie van Heerden should not let McLellan settle and work towards an early stoppage

• Be aggressive standing, look to close the distance and outbox McLellan
• Keep the pressure on McLellan using strikes and effective clinch work
• Be careful and methodical on the ground. Look to land effective ground and pound where possible.

Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden – EFC 14 fight prediction

Danie van Heerden will come out aggressive, looking to press the action. McLellan will have to weather some heavy storms early on, but should be able to avoid taking too much damage while using effective counter striking to earn some points of his own. The fight will likely continue its frenetic pace for the majority of the first round with Van Heerden pushing forward and McLellan trying to keep his distance.

Round two will see a drop in pace as the two fighters begin to tire. Garreth McLellan will begin to take control of the stand-up, using effective strikes to pressure Van Heerden. As the round unfolds the momentum will swing more and more into McLellan’s favour, who will be able to get the fight to the ground and work his superior grappling to finish Danie Van Heerden via second round Rear-naked choke.

Danie van Heerden vs Garreth McLellan EFC Africa 14 promo vídeo

Click here to watch the: Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden EFC 14 promo video

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Jeremy Smith supports local charity drive

Jeremy Smith poses with the Cars.co.za coffee mug he received for his donation

Last night EFC Africa's middleweight champion Jeremy "Pitbull" Smith took time out of his busy schedule to support a local community charity drive. After making his blanket donation to the worthy cause, Jeremy Smith was on hand to interact with fans from his home town.
It is fantastic to see our local MMA champions using their notoriety to support great initiatives.

About the Kensington Twitter Blanket Drive

The Kensington twitter blanket drive, hosted by Cars.co.za, aimed to raise blankets for the local community. The event was a huge success thanks to the support of the local community and over 500 blankets were collected. For more information on the event visit: Cars.co.za twitter blanket drive

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Demarte Pena vs Wesley Hawkey EFC 14 Promo Video

Reigning EFC Africa featherweight champion Demarte Pena will defend his title against dangerous challenger Wesley Hawkey at EFC 14 on 1 June. This week the EFC released the final promo video for this highly anticipated fight featherweight fight.

Demarte Pena vs Wesley Hawkey EFC 14 Promo Video

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Bernardo Mikixi vs Mahmoud Hassan EFC 14 Promo video

Heavyweights Bernardo Mikixi and Mahmoud Hassan are both carrying wins into their EFC 14 fight. With heavyweight champion Ruan Potts in need of a challenger, it is likely that this titanic clash will provide one.

Bernardo Mikixi vs Mahmoud Hassan EFC 14 promo video

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Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden EFC 14 Promo video

The EFC have released a promotional video for their upcoming middleweight fight between Garreth "Soldieryboy" McLellan and Danie "Pitbull" Van Heerden at EFC Africa 14. The two fighters will clash in what may prove to be a number one middleweight contender bout, the winner of which may get a title shot against reigning champion Jeremy Smith.

Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden EFC 14 Promo video

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James Le Roux vs Tshikangu Makuebo at EFC14

In the wake of the EFC's need to pull two featherweight fights, the EFC 14 fight card has once more been completed by the addition of a middleweight clash. James Le Roux will face Tshikangu Makeubo in a fight with more than just pride at stake.

James Le Roux 

James Le Roux (0-2) has lost two difficult match-ups in the EFC, first against Chett Meyer (#2 Light Heavyweight Rankings) at EFC Africa 4 and more recently against Wade Henderson at EFC 13. 

James Le Roux

Tshikangu Makeubo

Tshikangu Makeubo (0-2) has also lost two challenging fights in the EFC, against Tyron Rightford (#3 Middleweight Rankings) and Armand de Bruyn who are both on three fight winning streaks in the EFC middleweight division. 

Tshikangu Makuebo

James Le Roux vs Tshikangu Makeubo at EFC14

Having both lost their first two EFC fights, Le Roux and Makeubo find themselves a similar position. Both fighters need a win desperately to alleviate some of the stress and enable them to not only put their EFC career on the right track, but maintain their EFC contract. Having both fought tough opponents to date, James Le Roux and Tshikangu Makeubo will likely view each other as the ideal opponent. 

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EFC14 - Koba Iakobidze vs Alain Ilunga

Just days after the announcement of the final fight for EFC 14, the event has undergone some changes. Two of the initial featherweight fights have been cancelled, and in their place a new featherweight and middleweight fight have been announced.

Cancelled featherweight fights for EFC14

Georgian boxer Koba Iakobidze was originally slated to fight George Micouris in a featherweight clash, while EFC debutant Alain Ilunga was scheduled to fight grappling threat Francois Groenewald. Both of these fights have been cancelled.

Koba Iakobidze vs Alain Ilunga at EFC14

With the abovementioned cancellations, Koba Iakobidze will now face Alain Ilunga in a featherweight bout. This is the third time in two events that Ilunga has had his debut EFC opponent changed. The young Capetonian fighter will undoubtedly be anxious to get his first EFC fight behind him. 

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Demarte Pena vs Wesley Hawkey EFC 14 featherweight title fight preview

EFC Africa 14, which takes place at Carnival City on 1 June 2012, will be co-headlined by a much anticipated featherweight title fight. Undefeated featherweight champion Demarte Pena will put his EFC title on the line against rampant challenger Wesley Hawkey to determine who is the best featherweight MMA fighter in Africa.

Demarte Pena (3-0)

Demarte Pena (#1 Featherweight rankings) has experienced some wars in the EFC Hexagon. The featherweight fighter has gone the distance in his last two fights against Jean-Luc Kazadi and Leo Gloss, one of which was a five round title fight. Pena, who is still only 22 years old has shown much composure in the cage and executed effective game plans to nullify his opponents and grind out wins. On paper, Hawkey is certainly Pena’s toughest test to date.

Demarte Pena road to EFC Africa 14

Opponent	Result	Method	Event
Mawande Mazithambe	Win	Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)	EFC Africa 7
Jean-Luc Kazadi	Win	Decision (Majority)	EFC Africa 8
Leo Gloss	Win	Decision (Unanimous)	EFC Africa 10

Wesley Hawkey (7-2)

Wesley Hawkey  (#2 Featherweight rankings) has been destructive in his short EFC career. The Young Assassin has torn through his first three opponents and has yet to see the third minute in any of his fights. At EFC Africa 12, Wesley Hawkey defeated Denzil Wait in convincing fashion to become the number one contender in the featherweight division. Now, months later, Hawkey will get his shot at Demarte Pena for the featherweight title.

Wesley Hawkey road to EFC Africa 14

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

Demarte Pena and Wesley Hawkey - Fighter Comparison

This is a classic case of an aggressive fighter taking on a defensive fighter. Hawkey has ample ways of finishing a fight, whilst Pena executes his game plans well and avoids making mistakes. The longer this fight goes on, the more it favours Demarte Pena's style.

Stand-up advantage

While Demarte Pena has not been outclassed standing by high level boxers Kazadi and Gloss, his striking has been more of a means to an end and has yet to seriously threaten an opponent. Wesley Hawkey on the other hand has a boxing background which has stood him in good stead on the feet. Hawkey also has proven that he has knock-out power, which is a concern for all his opponents. I believe the stand-up will favour the much more aggressive Hawkey.

Ground advantage

If there is a strength in Demarte Pena’s game, it is the ability to get opponents to the ground and keep them there. Pena’s top ground game, while cautious and deliberate, is effective and earns him rounds and titles. Hawkey on the other hand has a less methodical and more explosive approach, but  has also proven himself a dangerous ground fighter, submitting 4 of his previous opponents. If this fight goes to the ground, we are likely to see Pena on top of Hawkey, putting both men in their element and making for an interesting chess match. 

Physical advantage

Demarte Pena and Wesley Hawkey are both extremely strong fighters in great physical shape. Pena did gas in his fight against Kazadi, but showed improved cardio against Leo Gloss where he went five rounds. Hawkey has yet to be tested cardiovascularly in his recent fights, having never left the first round, so it will be interesting to see how he fairs should the fight be drawn out. Physically I believe neither fighter will own a significant advantage.

Mental advantage

For such a young man, Demarte Pena has been tested thoroughly. The featherweight champion has spent over 40 minutes in the EFC Hexagon, compared to Hawkey’s 5 minutes. Pena has also fought an EFC title fight, experience which will be hugely beneficial, and trains at the Fightfit Militia camp, home to many current and former EFC champions. Pena in my mind will be the more mentally prepared fighter,  even though Hawkey has more fights, and has fought for a Fight Force title..

Demarte Pena  – Keys to victory

Demarte Pena should look to execute a game plan which will nullify Hawkey and slowly wear him down. This will likely create opportunities in the latter rounds to finish, but certainly earn him a decision victory.

• Utilise leg kicks in the stand-up to wear Hawkey down
• Use strikes to set up take downs
• Be methodical on the ground. Work for dominant position, wear Hawkey out and work effective ground and pound.
• Be wary of submissions

Wesley Hawkey – Keys to victory

With an impressive stoppage arsenal, Hawkey should look to be aggressive in the stand-up and on the ground and look for the finish.

• Avoid take-downs - keep the fight standing
• Use effective striking to take control of the fight
• Maintain an aggressive attitude – look to finish

Demarte Pena vs Wesley Hawkey – EFC 14 fight prediction

Wesley Hawkey will come out aggressive, of that you can be certain. The Durbanite will favour his striking and want to put Demarte Pena under pressure from the get go. Pena will be more patient, looking to counter strike and settle himself into his routine.

I believe Hawkey will get the better of the early exchanges, forcing Pena to look for the take-down. Hawkey will want to keep the fight on the feet, and this battle will be crucial to the outcome of the fight. After working hard, I foresee Pena being able to complete a takedown and maintain a dominant position for the rest of the round, but not without a few hair-raising moments, as Wesley Hawkey works for submissions off his back.

Round two will see the same script unfold, as the two featherweight fighters look to fight in their favoured realm. I believe that Hawkey will be able to do some damage to Pena on the feet, before another take down is completed, and the fight is once more taken to the ground. Round two however will play out rather differently, and I predict that Hawkey will be able to submit the champion via Guillotine choke to make Wesley Hakey the new EFC Africa featherweight champion.

Wesley Hawkey vs Demarte Pena EFC Africa 14 promo vídeo

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