Francois Kabulu vs Amr Wahman at EFC 14

Today the EFC announced that Francois "The Frenchman" Kabulu and Amr Wahman will clash at EFC 14 in a welterweight bout.

Francois "The Frenchman" Kabulu

Francois Kabulu (5-3) has lost his last three outings in the EFC Hexagon. The Frenchman started his EFC career with two consecutive wins against Ashley Calvert and Josh Muller, but came up short against Leon Mynhardt, Martin van Staden and Dino Bagattin. 

Francois Kabulu

Amr Wahman

Amr Wahman (3-0) has only one EFC appearance to his name, a knockout of the night win against Leon Mynhardt at EFC Africa 11. The Egyptian fighter will want to build on this solid foundation and make a name for himself in the South African MMA scene.

Amr Wahman

Francois Kabulu vs Amr Wahman at EFC 14

This is a fight between two fighters in very different places within their careers. Kabulu desperately needs to get back into the winning column to maintain his contract, while Wahman will have hopes of moving up the ladder towards a title shot. It will be interesting to see who is the hungrier fighter.

Incidentally, Francois Kabulu has shown he can take a punch on several occasions. Wahman has shown he can deliver one. This is almost symbolic of this fight. 

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Leon Mynhardt EFC 09 Knockout of the night

Leon Mynhardt vs Francois Kabulu at EFC Africa 09 was a welterweight war.

After some fairly even exchanges in the first half of the fight, Mynhardt managed to find his range and pick apart a weary Kabulu. Francois Kabulu showed great resolve in standing, but was not in the fight for the latter parts and it was only a matter of time before Leon Mynhardt landed a finishing blow. The end finally came in the third round, when Mynhardt floored Kabulu to win via KO and receive the Knockout of the night.

Leon Mynhardt vs Francois Kabulu EFC 09 Knockout of the night

Leon Mynhardt will drop to lightweight and face Don Madge at EFC 13 in Cape Town. Read my EFC 13 fight preview article on Leon Mynhardt vs Don Madge.

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Dino Bagattin vs Francois Kabulu EFC 13 fight preview

Dino Bagattin vs Francois Kabulu at EFC Africa 13 promises to be a violent affair. Both fighters have vicious stand-up skills and both men have a point to prove... the perfect recipe for an entertaining welterweight fight.

Dino “The Lion” Bagattin (8-2)

At EFC 12, Dino Bagattin suffered a major setback in his pursuit of the EFC Welterweight title when he lost to Michiel Opperman. Bagattin, who looked fluid and accurate trading on the feet, was submitted by Opperman in the second frame. The Loss was Bagattin’s first in two years. Undeterred however, the Lion will jump straight back into the Hexagon at EFC 13 and look to start his climb to the top once more.

Francois “The Frenchman” Kabulu (5-2)

Francois Kabulu has had a mixed bag of results in the EFC. The Frenchman holds wins over Ashley Calvert and Josh Muller, but has lost his last two bouts to Leon Mynhardt and Martin van Staden. Kabulu has shown impressive heart and an impressive chin to go with his solid stand-up skills.

Fighter Comparison

Both fighters are stand-up specialists with knock out power and a willingness to trade punches. Bagattin has the better pedigree and judging from their last few fights, should have the advantage standing.

Neither fighter has shown an affinity for the ground, and this is likely a domain which will be utilised scarcely in this MMA bout.

Being the older and more experienced fighter, Bagattin should have a slight mental edge in this fight. Kabulu does have the Cape Town home ground advantage and an iron will which may help to level the playing field.

Dino Bagattin vs Francois Kabulu Prediction

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.

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Dino Bagattin vs Francois Kabulu EFC 13

EFC 13, which is quickly become a Welterweight affair, has had yet another 78kg bout added to the roster. Johannesburg's Dino Bagattin with face Cape Town's Francois Kabulu in just over three weeks time. This is the  third high profile welterweight fight added to the fight card for April 13.

After returning from nearly a years lay off, Dino "The Lion" Bagattin (8-2, #5 Welterweight rankings) recently lost to Michiel Opperman at EFC 12. The loss, Bagattin's first in two years ended his three fight winning streak and with it, his chances of the next welterweight title shot. The Lion however has not removed his sights from the title and was anxious to get back into the Hexagon and redeem himself. The EFC were happy to oblige.

After a dream start in the EFC, Francois "The Frenchman" Kabulu (5-2) has lost his last two fights against Leon Mynhardt and Martin van Staden. The Cape Town local will have the opportunity to reset himself in the welterweight division with a win over high profile welterweight Bagattin.

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