EFC 16 Fight Predictions

Following a longer lay-period than usual, both between events and blog posts, EFC Africa 16 is now just around the corner. The event will play host to three title fights from across the weight division spectrum – featherweight, welterweight and heavyweight.

The much anticipated sixteenth edition of Africa’s biggest MMA spectacle has had many changes to the fight card since it was initially announced and there are many new names on the roster, here is the latest rendition and my predictions for the fights.

EFC 16 fight predictions

Ruan Potts vs Bernardo Mikixi (Heavyweight title fight)

Winner: Ruan Potts via Submission

If Bernardo Mikixi is going to win this fight, he has one way to do it – swing and swing hard. The Black Panther has shown impressive knock-out power in his last few fights, but his ground game appears to have some serious holes.

Though Ruan Potts has the tools to exploit this weakness in Mikixi, the undefeated champion has also shown a willingness to stand and trade, confident in his own abilities. Though likely still a favourite in the stand-up, should Potts choose to trade with Mikixi he will afford his opponent a much greater chance in this bout.

Ruan Potts is an experienced fighter, too experienced I feel to let Mikixi into the fight. Potts will close the distance early, get the fight to the ground and submit Bernardo Mikixi in the first round to retain his EFC Africa heavyweight title.

Jadyson Costa vs Michiel Opperman (Welterweight title fight)

Winner: Michiel Opperman via TKO

Jadyson Costa has proven his mettle in the EFC. The current welterweight champion is a wizard on the ground, has great striking skills and experience second to none in the promotion. Costa is on a three fight winning streak and has shown no signs of slowing down. The former Pride fighter has even begun to showboat and toy with his opponents, signs that his confidence is at an all time high.

Michiel Opperman is the polar opposite of Jadyson Costa - a technical striker who, over the last few years, has worked tirelessly improving his ground game. Opperman is methodical in the Hexagon and doesn't appear to show any emotion.

Jadyson Costa will be the hands down favourite going into this fight, but I believe that Opperman has the skillset to upset the Brazilian champion. Using his size, reach and ever improving wrestling skills, I believe Opperman will be able to keep the fight standing, a domain where he will likely hold the advantage. One can never write off the champion, but I am going to predict the Opperman wins via second round TKO.

Demarte Pena vs Terrence Griessel (Featherweight title fight)

Winner: Demarte Pena via Submission

Demarte Pena has shown that he knows how to win fights. The young champion has not had an easy run to the top, but has overcome adversity like a true champion, and gained a wealth of experience doing so. Pena looks better every time he steps into the Hexagon, a dangerous thought for featherweight division fighters.

Terrence Griessel’s recent drop to featherweight was a successful one, besting Gareth Buirski en route a title shot (after Nel was unable to fight). Griessel is a strong, tenacious featherweight, who has been given a great opportunity to make a statement.

Both fighters are grinders, and I don't expect this fight to end quickly. I believe Pena will be a little quicker in the stand-up and more fluid on the ground. I predict that, after a few long rounds on the mat, Demarte Pena will seize an opportunity to finish Griessel via submission in the later rounds.

EFC 16 Non–title fight predictions

Winner	Loser	Method	Round
Wade Henderson	Tumelo Maphuta	Submission	1
Markus Taljaard	Gareth Buirski	Decision	3
Francois Kabulu	Nicholas Radley	Decision	3
Andrew van Zyl	Ian Visser	Submission	1
JC Lamprecht	Daniel Sinclair	TKO	2
Danie van Heerden	Dain Neveling	Submission	2
Jean-Luc Kazadi	Francois Groenewald	TKO	2
Wade Groth	Khalil Akleker	TKO	1
Brendon Groenewald	Sors Grobbelaar	Submission	1

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Ruan Potts vs Bernardo Mikixi EFC 16 Heavyweight title fight

The Extreme Fighting Championship has announced that Ruan Potts will face Bernardo Mikixi at EFC Africa 16 for the promotions heavyweight title. The event is set to take place at Carnival City in Johannesburg on the 19 October 2012.

Ruan "Fangzz" Potts

After a hiatus of nearly 9 months, undefeated EFC Africa heavyweight champion Ruan Potts (14-0) will finally return to the Hexagon to defend his title. Potts, who defeated Andrew van Zyl at EFC Africa 11, has had a shortage of worthy adversaries of late, which has forced the champion to remain on the sidelines longer than he would have liked. Potts is currently in the United States training with some of the worlds finest MMA athletes and will likely raise the bar for heavyweight fighters in South Africa.

Ruan Potts

Bernardo "The Black Panther" Mikixi

2012 has seen Bernardo Mikixi (6-3) string together a quickfire two fight winning streak. This has catapulted him into the number one contender spot and earned the Black Panther a second shot at the Heavyweight title. Mikixi lost his initial title shot against Norman Wessels at EFC Africa 5 and will want to rewrite the history books in his second title fight against his toughest opponent yet in Potts.

Bernardo Mikixi

Ruan Potts vs Bernardo Mikixi at EFC 16

Ruan Potts has been rampant in the EFC heavyweight division, notching up an impressive 4-0 record. Fangzz has also defeated both men who have defeated Mikixi in the Hexagon and will certainly come in a firm favourite. Mikixi however has shown he should not be written off and has serious knockout power. Either way, this fight does not promise to be a long fight.

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5 fights to make after EFC 14

With EFC 14 behind us, it’s time to once more take stock and look toward the future. Here are 5 fights that I think the EFC should consider making in the near future.

5 fights to make after EFC 14

Jeremy Smith vs Garreth McLellan

Although I have never been an avid supporter of a quick rematch between Garreth McLellan and Jeremy Smith, it seems that this fight has to happen. Garreth McLellan looked focussed at EFC 14 where he defeated Danie van Heerden in what was touted to be a number on contender bout. With the major players in the middleweight division already matched up, Jeremy Smith vs Garreth McLellan 2 now seems inevitable.

Ruan Potts vs Bernardo Mikixi

Bernardo Mikixi defeated Mahmoud Hassan at EFC 14 to take his current win streak to two. Given the state of the heavyweight division, this is enough to warrant a title shot against heavyweight champion Ruan Potts.

Demarte Pena vs Wentzel Nel

Wentzel Nel looked strong at featherweight as he defeated Denzil Wait via second round TKO. With three straight EFC wins, including one against a top 5 featherweight, Wentzel Nel has surely earned himself a shot at Demarte Pena and the featherweight title.

Wesley Hawkey vs Abdul Hassan

Wesley Hawkey showed that he is one of the best featherweights in South Africa at EFC 14. The Durban based fighter will want to get into the Hexagon as quickly as possible and work his way back up to a shot at the title. After his win against Leo Gloss at EFC 13, Abdul Hassan finds himself on a similar path and a fight between the two now many perfect sense.

Adam Speechly vs Alex Cheboub

Both Adam Speechly and Alex Cheboub have suffered recent losses to Costa Ioannou and will want to work their way back to the top of the division. The two master grapplers will be a great test for each other and hopefully put on a great fight for the fans.

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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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Mikixi vs Hassan at EFC Africa 14

The EFC has announced the first non title fight to grace their EFC Africa 14 event. Former EFC Africa heavyweight title contender Bernardo Mikixi will face up and coming Egyptian boxer Mahmoud Hassan in a heavyweight clash with plenty on the line. Mikixi vs Hassan is a fight I was really hoping would materialise, as I discussed in my article Matches to make after EFC 13

Bernardo "Black Panther" Mikixi

After back to back losses against elite heavyweight fighters Norman Wessels and Andrew van Zyl, Bernardo Mikixi (5-3) managed to return to his winning ways at EFC Africa 13 by defeating Calven Robinson. Mikixi (#4 Heavyweight rankings) managed to take "The Butcher" down in the first round and finish him with some heavy ground and pound. 

Mahmoud "Hellboy" Hassan

Mahmoud Hassan (3-0) managed to defeat heavyweight prospect Ricky Misholas via first round TKO at EFC 13. The Egyptian boxer, now 1-0 in the EFC, dropped Misholas with a big right hand and managed to finish him on the floor.

Bernardo Mikixi vs Mahmoud Hassan EFC 14

With heavyweight title contenders hard to come by, this fight could very well determine the next opponent for Ruan Potts, who has been sidelined from the action for far too long. Both Mikixi and Hassan looked good at EFC 13 and both fighters are on a one fight winning streak. A win for either fighter would put them within the EFC's acceptable range for a title shot. 

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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.


View all : South African MMA Rankings

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Bernardo Mikixi vs Calven Robinson EFC 13 Video

Bernardo Mikixi and Calven Robinson are two of the biggest athletes in South African MMA. Both fighters possess knockout power and will be bringing it to the Hexagon at EFC 13 on 13 April 2012.

Here is the latest promo video released by the EFC for the titanic clash between Mikixi and Robinson.

Bernardo Mikixi vs Calven Robinson EFC 13 promo video

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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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EFC 13 - Mikixi vs Robinson

The Extreme Fighting Championship has announced its first heavyweight clash for the upcoming EFC Africa 13 event in Cape Town. The fight will see Cape Town resident Bernardo Mikixi take on Durbanite Calven Robinson.

Bernardo "The Black Panther" Mikixi (#5 SA heavyweight rankings) has fought many of the top heavyweights in South Africa, including former heavyweight champion Normal Wessels and title contender Andrew Van Zyl. Fighting out of Parklands, Cape Town, the Judoka will look to put on a show for his home fans.

Calven "The Butcher" Robinson retired after his fight against Ruan Potts a year ago, incidentally this was also his first professional MMA loss. His MMA career it seems is not quite done as he once more returns to the Hexagon to fight Mikixi. A win for Robinson could put him right back in the top contender list and help him build his way towards a title shot.

This fight promises to be a slug-fest between two of the strongest and hardest hitting men to set foot in the EFC Hexagon.

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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.

Visit my SA MMA Rankings page for all weight divisions

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