The South African MMA scene and more specifically our
flagship promotion, the EFC, has a wealth of talent. Traditionally, we rank this
fighting talent according to their ability to win fights. This makes complete
sense, as that is what they train and are paid to do.
The average fan however often watches MMA more for the
entertainment value. Tight stalemate battles or subtle transitions are lost on
this casual fan, who longs for action. This list is directed more towards the
crowd pleasers, the men who leave it all on the line and more often than not
wreak havoc in the hexagon.
Here is my list of the most vicious EFC fighter in each
division:
Featherweight: Wesley “The Young Assassin” Hawkey (6-2)
EFC Stats
EFC fight record: 2-0
KO/TKO wins: 1
Submission wins: 1
Decision wins : 0
First round finishes: 2
Other awards: #2 Featherweight rankings
Wesley Hawkey is one of the most aggressive fighters in the featherweight
division. Proficient in striking, ground and pound and submissions, Hawkey is a
fight finisher. Though new to the EFC, the Young Assassin is already known for
his violent victories. Hawkey will be in action against Denzil Wait at EFC 12
Lightweight: Costa Ioannou (4-0)
EFC Stats
EFC fight record: 4-0
KO/TKO wins: 0
Submission wins: 3
Decision wins: 1
First round finishes: 2
Other awards: #1 Lightweight rankings, #2 Dominant EFC Champions
Costa Ioannou is one of the most aggressive fighters in the
EFC. A physically intimidating lightweight, Ioannou pressures his opponents
from the first bell, closing the distance and forcing the fight to be fought
his way. In the clinch he is freakishly strong and has devastating knees as
well as great take downs which play into his greatest strength... his high
level jiu-jitsu game. There are few fighters in South Africa who have such a
presence in the Hexagon.
Welterweight: Dino “The Lion” Bagattin (8-1)
EFC Stats
EFC fight record: 4-1
KO/TKO wins: 3
Submission wins: 1
Decision wins: 0
First round finishes: 4
Other awards: #4 Welterweight Rankings
All of Dino Bagattin’s EFC victories have come within the
first round, more often via knock out. Bagattin, a former Muay Thai champion,
possesses some of the most vicious strikes in the business and uses them to ill
effect inside the EFC Hexagon. Dino Bagattin steps into the hexagon against fellow striker Michiel Opperman at EFC 12 on March 2.
Middleweight: Jeremy “The Pitbull” Smith (10-1)
EFC Stats
EFC fight record: 1-0
KO/TKO wins: 1
Submission wins: 0
Decision wins: 0
First round finishes: 1
Other awards: #1 Middleweight rankings
Though a newcomer to the EFC, Jeremy Smith has finished some
of South Africa’s finest fighters in devastating fashion. Aptly named “The
Pitbull”, Jeremy Smith is one of the most powerful, tenacious and all round aggressive
fighters in the country. A talented kick boxer, Smith possesses incredible
stand-up skills with proven knock out power and absolutely brutal ground and
pound. Jeremy Smith will challenge Garreth McLellan for his EFC Middleweight title at EFC Africa 12.
Light Heavyweight: J.P “The Bull” Joubert (3-3)
EFC Stats
EFC fight record: 3-2
KO/TKO wins: 2
Submission wins: 1
Decision wins: 0
First round finishes: 3
J.P Joubert seems a lot more comfortable at light
heavyweight, where he is now usually the bigger, stronger man in the cage. The
Bull has also been a lot more aggressive at his new weight and is currently on
a tear in the EFC, finishing his last 3 opponents in the first frame
Heavyweight: Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (14-0)
EFC Stats
EFC fight record: 4-0
KO/TKO wins: 3
Submission wins: 1
Decision wins: 0
First round finishes: 3
Other awards: #2 Heavyweight rankings, #1 Dominant EFCChampions
Ruan Potts has been malicious in the hexagon, finishing
every opponent the EFC has put in front of him. A beast of a man, Potts has
manhandled most of his foes in the clinch and on the ground, but has finished
most of his opponents standing, where he can unexpectedly unleash devastating
strikes and elbows, indicative of his Muay Thai Pedigree, which can end fights in an
instant.
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