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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EFC 15 fight predictions

On Friday 27 July EFC Africa 15 will take over Carnival City in Johannesburg, South Africa. The event will be headlined by the promotions first ever light heavyweight title fight. With this and twelve other professional MMA bouts on the cards, the event is all set to be another night to remember. Here are my predictions for the fights:

EFC 15 fight predictions

Norman Wessels vs JP Joubert (Light heavyweight title fight)

Winner: Norman Wessels via TKO

Both Norman Wessels and JP Joubert are big men who have proved to be aggressive fighters at light heavyweight. Joubert has steamrolled him last two opponents, Wessel’s his last one. As a result, I don’t think this fight will take too long to get going.

Joubert will likely be the early aggressor, confident in his knock-out power. Chef will be a little more cautious and will look to avoid trading punches with The Bull while looking for the take down. Wessels has shown impressive grappling skills in his MMA career and I believe that taking the fight to the ground will greatly favour him.

I don’t see this fight going the distance. Either Joubert will land a big shot, or Wessels will land a takedown and finish the fight on the ground. With the wealth of experience and tactical brilliance that Norman Wessels brings to the Hexagon, I predict he will be the sharper fighter on the night and will end the fight in the second round via TKO.

Tyron Rightford vs Darren Daniel

Winner: Tyron Rightford via KO

Rightford vs Daniel is the most anticipated fight on this card for sure. The two middleweights have had very different paths to this point, but are both gunning for the same thing – a shot at the EFC Africa middleweight title.

Darren Daniel has been absent from the Hexagon for so long that he is somewhat of an unknown. He is however a seasoned professional training with a professional fight team, so I expect him to be ready. How rusty he may be, if at all, will only be evident on the night.

Conversely, Tyron Rightford is riding the crest of a wave and will bring great momentum to this fight. The Rush has rattled through his EFC opponents, winning his last two fights in mere minutes.

I believe that Darren Daniel will have the advantage on the ground and will look to take the fight down as soon as possible, thus negating Rightford’s clinical striking. Rightford in turn will look to be elusive and pick his shots, keeping the fight standing and fighting from the outside. This fight could go either way, but I predict Tyron Rightford will be able to take advantage of a slightly rusty Daniel to land a few key strikes early on and swing the fight in his favour. Rightford will be able to fight his fight and eventually land a clean shot to finish Daniel late in the first round.

Garreth McLellan vs Armand de Bruyn

Winner: Garreth McLellan via TKO

Armand de Bruyn will be thrown into the deep end at EFC 15 against Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan. The former Middleweight champion has been on the warpath ever since he lost his title at EFC Africa 12. I predict Garreth McLellan will be too good for Armand De Bruyn and finish the fight via TKO in the second round.

Raymond Ahana vs Jason Culverwell

Winner: Jason Culverwell via Submission

Jason Culverwell impressed me at EFC 13. He showed he can take a punch and displayed great composure on the ground. Culverwell will want to avoid Ahana’s reach and test him on the ground. I predict he will be able to do this and will win via second round submission.

Chett Meyer vs Donavin Hawkey

Winner: Donavin Hawkey via Submission

This is a tough fight to call as there are a lot of unknown elements, the biggest of which is Chett Meyer’s move to middleweight. Both fighters were formerly ranked light heavyweights, so they should be comfortable with each other. Hawkey however has been the more active of the two and has fought 4 more fights in the last two years.

Although Meyer is coming into this fight with a three fight winning streak, I believe Hawkey will have the upper hand due to his abundance of experience, his familiarity with fighting at middleweight and his hunger to avenge his recent loss to Danie van Heerden.  I predict Donavin Hawkey will submit Chett Meyer in the second round.

Martin van Staden vs Dino Bagattin

Winner: Martin van Staden via Submission

Martin van Staden and Dino Bagattin are both looking to rebuild their way to welterweight title contention. Bagattin is the more decorated striker but has looked a little vulnerable on the ground in his last two fights and I believe Martin van Staden will exploit this effectively to win the fight via first round submission.

Leon Mynhardt vs Alex Cheboub

Winner: Leon Mynhardt via KO

With no clear lightweight title contender in sight, Leon Mynhardt vs Alex Cheboub will be watched very closely by the EFC Africa matchmakers. Both fighters won their last bouts and will look to make a case for a title shot.

This is a clear case of a striker versus a ground specialist and should make for a very interesting fight. Alex Cheboub has submitted some of the divisions best fighters and in recent times has only been bested by Costa Ioannou. In contrasting style, Leon Mynhardt has knocked out some of the best fighters from two different divisions. Mynhardt however has worked tirelessly at his ground game and has improved dramatically. I believe that Mynhardt therefore has the better chance of winning this fight as he is now a very well rounded fighter.

I predict Leon Mynhardt will KO Alex Cheboub in the second round.

Francois Kabulu vs David Buirski

Winner: David Buirski via Submission

In my opinion this fight favours David Buirski, who showed impeccable ground control in his early professional bouts. While Kabulu has shown good stand-up and great heart, his ground game has  been rather ineffective.  I predict that Buirksi will take this fight to the ground at will, neutralise Kabulu and eventually submit him in the second round.

Andrew van Zyl vs Mohmed Karim

Winner: Andrew van Zyl via Submission

I must admit I do not know much about Mohmed Karim, but in general the EFC’s Egyptian exports have shown a deficiency in ground skills. I predict that Andrew van Zyl will get Mohmed Karim to the ground and submit him in the first round.

Boyd Allen vs Alain Ilunga

Winner: Boyd Allen via decision

Both Boyd Allen and Alain Ilunga impressed me in their last fights. I do believe Boyd Allen is the more well rounded and technical fighter and I think he will enough skill and experience to defeat the younger fighter over the three rounds.

Liam Cleland vs Tumelo Maphutha

Winner: Liam Cleland via Submission

Liam Cleland is an extremely talented grappler and I believe he will simply outclass Tumelo Maphutha on the ground. I predict Liam Cleland to take this one via first round submission.

Hector Britts vs JC Lamprecht

Winner: Hector Britts via decision

I am not au fait with either of these fighters, having not seen either of them fight, and have only their records to work off. Hector Britts holds notable wins over Paul Vosloo and Boyd Allen, while JC Lamprecht had an impressive 8-0 amateur record.  Both fighters will be making their EFC Africa debut.

Having already fought professionally, I think that Britts will be a little less nervous and a little more composed in the Hexagon. I predict that Hector Britts will win a unanimous decision victory, though I really do have very little to base this on.

Lance Ceronio vs Mahmoud Salama

Winner: Mahmoud Salama via TKO   

     

Mahmoud Salama is a specialist kickboxer, a department where Ceronio has struggled in his last two fights. I predict Salama will be sharper in the stand-up and will finish Ceronio in the first frame. 

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EFC 14 fight predictions

This Friday, 01 June 2012, the Extreme Fighting Championship will host its third event of the year – EFC Africa 14. The MMA event, which sees the return of the Hexagon to Johannesburg will take place at Carnival City.

Predicting the fight results for EFC 14 is quite different to predicting those for EFC 13, as there are fewer debutant fighters, meaning more information to work with. That being said, this is MMA and its never an easy task to accurately forecast how the fights will play out. Excuses aside, here are my EFC 14 fight predictions:

EFC 14 fight predictions

Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly (Lightweight title fight)

Winner: Costa Ioannou via TKO

This fight has all the makings of an action packed tussle. Costa Ioannou will come out the more aggressive fighter, looking to close the distance and nullify Speechly’s reach advantage.  Speechly will be content to stay on the outside and work his striking, but will certainly favour his chances on the ground.

Costa’s aggressive style will lead to a clinch situation early on. This will be pivotal to the outcome of the fight as the clinch is not only where Ioannou can do the most damage, but also where Speechly can get the fight down to the ground. Due to both fighters being comfortable on the ground, I believe this fight will definitely end up there and the two master grapplers will have to work hard to secure anything. Round one will end with both fighters intact.

Round two will see Costa Ioannou begin to take control of the fight and wear Adam Speechly out. I predict the Fightfit Militia fighter will once more close the distance, land some big shots on the inside and take Speechly to the mat. A worn down Speechly will not be as effective in his defence and Ioannou will be able to obtain a dominant position and work some vicious Ground and Pound over the course of the round to end the fight in the second frame via TKO. Costa Ioannou will maintain his lightweight title and solidify himself as one of the best fighters in South Africa.

Full preview: Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly EFC 14 preview

Demarte Pena vs Wesley Hawkey (Featherweight title fight)

Winner: Wesley Hawkey via Submission

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 in 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 Hawkey the new EFC Africa featherweight champion.

Full preview: Demarte Pena vs Wesley Hawkey EFC 14 preview

Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden (Middleweight fight)

Winner: Garreth McLellan via Submission

Danie van Heerden will come out aggressive, looking to press the action. McLellan will have to weather some heavy storms early on, but will 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.

Full preview: Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden EFC 14 preview

Bernardo Mikixi vs Mahmoud Hassan (Heavyweight fight)

Winner: Mahmoud Hassan via TKO

Bernardo Mikixi and Mahmoud Hassan are both powerful men with knockout power. I don’t see this fight going past the first round. I predict Mahmoud Hassan will drop Bernard Mikixi with a big punch and finish it on the floor to earn a first round TKO victory

Wentzel Nel vs Denzil Wait (Featherweight fight)

Winner: Wentzel Nel via decision

I believe Wentzel Nel will be literally be an animal at featherweight. I predict that the former lightweight champion will prove too much for Denzil Wait and will earn himself a unanimous decision victory.

Francois Kabulu vs Amr Wahman (Welterweight fight)

Winner: Amr Wahman via KO

Both Francois Kabulu and Amr Wahman are not afraid to trade punches, this should result in a short but action packed fight. I believe Wahman will beat Kabulu to the punch to win via knock out in the first round.

Terrence Griessel vs Gareth Buirski (Featherweight fight)

Winner: Terrence Griessel via decision

This should be a great fight between an experienced EFC vetran and a talented newcomer.  It will be interesting to see how Griessel takes to the lighter division, but I think he will be able to grind out a decision victory against the tough Shido fighter.

JP Kruger vs Mwande Vapi (Middleweight fight)

Winner: JP Kruger via Submission

Both Vapi and Kruger have impressive stand-up skills. Kruger however showed willingness to adapt his strategy to his opponent coupled with an impressive ground game against Pete Motaung at EFC 12 and I believe he will approach this fight very similarly. I predict Kruger will win via first round submission.

Alex Cheboub vs Ashley Calvert (Lightweight fight)

Winner: Ashley Calvert via TKO

I believe Ashley Calvert is a very underrated fighter who has shown great promise in the early stages of his fights. With a new conditioning program underway, I believe Calvert may have been able to put his gassing problems behind him. I am going to go against the grain and predict a Calvert upset victory via first round TKO.

David Buirski vs Kelvin Mwale (Welterweight fight)

Winner: Kelvin Mwale via TKO

This was one of the hardest matchups to call and I think it could go either way. I am going to go with Kelvin Mwale to win via TKO in the second round .

Koba Iakobidze vs Alain Ilunga (Featherweight fight)

Winner: Koba Iakobidze via KO

I have yet to see Alain Ilunga fight, but being a stand-up specialist he is likely to stand and trade with Iakobidze. Having seen Iakobidze fight at EFC Africa 12, I believe there are very few fighters in the division who can get away with this. I believe Koba Iakobidze will be too quick and will finish the EFC debutant via first round KO.

Wade Groth vs Markus Taljaard (Lightweight fight)

Winner: Markus Taljaard via decision

Markus Taljaard impressed me with his hand speed at EFC 12 when he faced Ryan van Niekerk. I believe his stand-up will be effective enough to earn him the win over Wade Groth via decision.

Tshikangu Makeubo vs James Le Roux (Middleweight fight)

Winner: James Le Roux via Submission

I am going to back James Le Roux for this fight. Le Roux trained really hard leading up to EFC 13 and will be in great shape for EFC 14. I think Le Roux will win via Submission in round 1

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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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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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