2012 KO of the year - JP Joubert - MMASA Awards

There were relatively few knock-outs in the Hexagon this year, which made awarding the Knock out of the year simpler in some respects and a lot more difficult in others. However, when looking at 2012, there was one knockout which stood out, as it not only defined a career, but turned an entire division on its head – JP Joubert’s knockout of Norman Wessels at EFC Africa 15.

This knockout was anything but routine. After a brutal first round in which Wessels punished him with elbows on the ground, Joubert looked all but beaten. The second round however saw a change in fortunes for the Bull, who came out swinging, and after one of the most entertaining rounds of the year, managed to unload a plethora of punches on Wessels, knocking him out and earning himself the EFC Africa light heavyweight title.

Fight video: JP Joubert vs Norman Wessels – EFC Africa Light heavyweighttitle fight

KO of the year - Notable mentions

Jadyson Costa vs Dallas Jakobi

Jadyson Costa’s dominant performance over Dallas Jakobi at EFC 13 culminated in an impressive KO victory. With a vicious right hand Costa sent Jakobi sprawling to the canvas and earned himself the welterweight title.

Jeremy Smith vs Darren Daniel

Smith vs Daniel put two of the divisions most aggressive fighters into the Hexagon together. Daniel landed some good shots from range early on and looked in charge of the fight. Things changed when the fighters got close as Smith managed to land a left hook which sent Daniel to the mat. Smith would end the fight seconds later to retain his middleweight title.

Gareth Buirski vs Markus Taljaard

At EFC Africa 16, Gareth Buirski displayed his one punch knockout power as he finished Markus Taljaard with a monster right hand in the second round of their featherweight fight. Taljaard was carried out of the Hexagon on a stretcher.

To see all award winners, visit my 2012 MMASA Awards page

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2012 Fight of the year - McLellan vs Smith - MMASA Awards

The MMA year started with a bang when EFC Africa middleweight champion Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan and decorated challenger Jeremy “Pitbull” Smith squared off for the middleweight title in a fight which was billed as the biggest fight ever on African soil. The fight didn't disappoint.

Both fighters came into the fight after a long training camp and looked well prepared, fit and strong. What ensued after the bell rang, was a tactical battle which seesawed in favour of each of the fighters in turn. The game plans were spot on and neither fighter seemed to gas – a sign of an ever increasing professionalism within the South African sphere of the sport. Lasting almost four rounds the fight showcased some of the best skills that South African MMA has to offer and set the stage for a great MMA year.

Jeremy Smith eventually won the fight via Guillotine choke in the fourth round to become the new EFC Africa middleweight champion.

In search of a rematch McLellan went on a rampage which set the middleweight division alight.

For all of these reasons – Garreth McLellan vs Jeremy Smith is my 2012 fight of the year.

Fight of the year - Notable mentions

Don Madge vs Leon Mynhardt

The lightweight clash between striking legends Don Madge and Leon Mynhardt at EFC 13 was a brutal striking masterclass. Madge started strong and almost finished the fight in the first frame, but Mynhardt rallied in the second and took the fight to the Muay Thai standout. Although the two warriors delivered a spectacular show, the fight was shrouded in controversy after a rather anticlimactic finish in the third round which saw Mynhardt the victor and Madge somewhat confused and disappointed.

Fight video: Leon Mynhardt vs Don Madge at EFC 13

Costa Ioannou vs Adam Speechly

The lightweight title fight between EFC titans Costa Ioannou and Adam Speechly at EFC 14 was always going to be a grappling extravaganza. Speechly weathered a strong start by the champion and turned the tides on a exhausted Ioannou in the middle rounds. Ioannou however dug deep and eventually managed to eke out a unanimous decision victory after a five round grappling war.

To see all award winners, visit my 2012 MMASA Awards page

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2012 Fighter of the year – Michiel Opperman – MMASA Awards

With 81 fighters stepping into the Hexagon in 2012, it was likely going to be difficult to select one standout fighter. This year, however, it was not difficult at all.

At EFC Africa 12, Michiel Opperman, a relatively unknown fighter holding a professional record of 8-6 and on a five fight winning streak as a middleweight, decided to drop weight on short notice to face dangerous welterweight prospect Dino Bagattin. Bagattin was rated one of the top contenders for the welterweight title at the time and carried a professional record of 8-1. This seemingly foolish move for someone so entrenched in the middleweight division proved brilliant as Opperman defeated Bagattin via second round triangle choke and announced himself as a contender in the welterweight division.

Opperman would then go on to finish number one contender Martin van Staden at EFC Africa 13, and end his year by submitting Welterweight Champion Jadyson Costa at EFC Africa 16.

Currently the EFC Africa welterweight champion and aptly dubbed “The Dark Horse”, Michiel Opperman managed to shut out the welterweight division in one year, defeating both top contenders and the champion.

For these achievements, coupled with the attitude and humility of a champion, Michiel Opperman is my South African MMA fighter of the year.

Fighter of the year - notable mentions

Jeremy Smith

Jeremy Smith had a blinder of a year. The Pitbull featured in the two biggest fights of the year – against Garreth McLellan at EFC 12 and Darren Daniel at EFC 17 – and won them both. Having defeated two of the biggest names in South African MMA, Smith has solidified himself atop my Pound for pound rankings.

Costa Ioannou

Costa Ioannou remained undefeated in 2012, defeating AdamSpeechly and Leon Mynhardt. The EFC Africa Lightweight champion was tested more than ever before by a game Speechly at EFC 14 and showed he has plenty of heart to compliment his array of skills.

To see all award winners, visit my 2012 MMASA Awards page

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Jeremy Smith vs Garreth McLellan 2 at EFC 15

EFC Africa 15 will play host to the first title rematch in EFC history, and what a rematch it is.

Earlier this year, at EFC 12, Jeremy Smith managed to defeat Garreth McLellan via fourth round Guillotine choke to become the EFC Africa middleweight champion. The fight, arguably the biggest ever on African soil was evenly contested until Smith caught McLellan, and the rematch will be eagerly anticipated by MMA fans.

Jeremy "Pitbull" Smith

Jeremy Smith (11-1) has not fought since his faced McLellan at EFC Africa 12. The Pitbull however will come into this fight in a very different position, with the added pressure of being the middleweight champion. Smith will want to prove that his victory at EFC 12 was no fluke and retain his middleweight strap.

Jeremy Smith

Garreth "Soldierboy" McLellan

Garreth McLellan (7-2) looked clinical against Danie van Heerden at EFC 14. The victory, a second round rear-naked choke submission, earned Soldierboy a rematch against his nemisis Jeremy Smith. McLellan will once more have the chance to prove that he is the best middleweight in Africa

Garreth McLellan

Jeremy Smith vs Garreth McLellan 2 at EFC 15

The first fight between Jeremy Smith and Garreth McLellan was a fight of the night performance. I expect nothing less from this one. Each fighter will take something out of their last clash, and both should come into this fight even more prepared. With the stakes just as high as before, and the names as big as they get in South African MMA, this fight promises to deliver something special.

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EFC Africa 15 - Wessels vs Joubert

EFC Africa 15 will see the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) host back to back events at Carnival City in Johannesburg. EFC 15, set to take place on Friday 27 July will also feature two title fights between some of the countries top MMA athletes.

Norman Wessels vs JP Joubert at EFC 15

Post EFC Africa 15, the light heavyweight division will finally have a champion and Norman Wessels and JP Joubert hope to be that champion. The two former heavyweights (currently ranked 1 and 2 on my light heavyweight ranking list) have been on a collision course since Wessels dropped to light heavyweight and will finally have a chance to prove who is the best light heavyweight in the country.

Jeremy Smith vs Garreth McLellan 2 at EFC 15

Jeremy Smith was forced to withdraw from this bout due to injury. Garreth McLellan will now face Armand De Bruyn in a middleweight clash.

EFC Africa 15 Promo Video

EFC Africa 15 full fight card

Norman Wessels vs JP Joubert (Light heavyweight title fight)

Tyron Rightford vs Darren Daniel (Middleweight fight)
Garreth McLellan vs Armand De Bruyn (Middleweight fight)
Raymond Ahana vs Jason Culverwell (Light Heavyweight fight)

Chett Meyer vs Donavin Hawkey (Middleweight fight)

Martin van Staden vs Dino Bagattin (Welterweight fight)
Leon Mynhardt vs Alex Cheboub (Lightweight fight)
Francois Kabulu vs David Buirski (Welterweight fight)
Andrew van Zyl vs Mohmed Karim (Heavyweight fight)
Boyd Allen vs Alain Ilunga (Lightweight fight)
Liam Cleland vs Tumelo Maphutha (Middleweight fight)
Hector Britts vs JC Lamprecht (Welterweight fight)
Lance Ceronio vs Mahmoud Salama (Light Heavyweight fight)

EFC 15 fight predictions

To view my pre-event fight predictions for EFC Africa 15, click here: EFC 15 fight predictions

EFC 15 Betting odds

The official betting odds have been released by Keith Ho BetXchange. Here are the EFC 15 Betting odds

EFC 15 Weigh-in results

The weigh-ins are done and dusted and the majority of fighters came in spectacular shape. View all EFC 15 weigh-in results

EFC 15 fight results

The fight results will be updated as the action unfolds. Click here to view all EFC 15 fight results

EFC 15 in retrospect

To view my post event thoughts, read my article EFC 15 in restrospect

All EFC 15 articles

To view all my articles on EFC Africa 15, click here: EFC 15 articles

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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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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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EFC Africa Middleweight division stealing the limelight

The EFC Africa middleweight division has really come to the forefront in 2012. The recent momentum was spearheaded by the colossal EFC 12 main event between Jeremy Smith and Garreth McLellan. March's title fight not only delivered a great contest, but a whole heap of added controversy and the Middleweight title has remained a hot topic of debate. 

This was however the tip of the iceberg, and some new additions to the middleweight division, coupled with some clever match-making have created a new buzz about the division, the likes of which I have not seen before in South Africa. 

EFC Middleweight division – New additions in 2012

Danie van Heerden

Danie van Heerden brought a new dimension to the middleweight division – a big, experienced middleweight who can strike well. 

Chett Meyer

Chett Meyer’s decision tomove to middleweight came as somewhat of a surprise to me. The division now has yet another big, experienced middleweight to contend with. 

Darren Daniel

After almost two years absence, Darren Daniel is back in the EFC mix. Daniel is one of the most gifted fighters in South Africa, who brings additional international experience to the Middleweight division.

The EFC Africa middleweight landscape 

Fighter	Record	EFC	Streak	MMA achievements
Jeremy Smith	11-1	2-0	11	EFC Middleweight champion
Tyron Rightford	3-0	3-0	3	Undefeated in the EFC
Chett Meyer	5-1	4-1	3	Former #1 Light Heavyweight rankings. Yet to fight at middleweight.
Armand de Bruyn	3-1	3-1	3	Finished his last 3 opponents in the first round
Darren Daniel	5-1	2-0	2	Undefeated in the EFC
Danie van Heerden	9-4	3-2	2	Undefeated in the EFC at middleweight
Wade Henderson	23-13	4-4	2	Vastly experienced across multiple weight divisions
JP Kruger	1-1	1-0	1	Only EFC loss to former EFC Champion Garreth McLellan
Garreth McLellan	6-2	5-1	0	Former EFC Middleweight champion. Only EFC loss to Middleweight champion Jeremy Smith
Donavin Hawkey	20-8	1-1	0	Former Fight Force Light Heavyweight champion & #1 Ranked LHW in SA.
Jacques Joubert	10-8	4-3	0	EFC Middleweight title contender
James Rennie	11-3	0-1	0	Only EFC loss to Welterweight champion Jadyson Costa
Liam Cleland	3-2	1-1	0	Only  fighter to have defeated Jeremy Smith. Only EFC loss to Middleweight champion Jeremy Smith

EFC Middleweight upcoming fights

Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden at EFC 14

Chett Meyer vs Donavin Hawkey at EFC 15

Tyron Rightford vs Darren Daniel at EFC 15

JP Kruger vs Mawande Vapi at EFC 14

Jeremy Smith vs ?

The Middleweight division is so hot right now

Unsurprisingly the MMA community has gone mad with excitement since the announcement of the three blockbuster middleweight fights. Twitter has been the medium most used and fans have already begun predicting who will get the next title shot.

The beauty of this situation is that the title shot is not the only thing to look forward to. With such a rich and diverse division, plus a wealth of new fighters coming through the ranks, the middleweight division promises an abundance of great fights in the future too. 

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Who will challenge Jeremy Smith for the EFC Middleweight title?

Yesterday EFC Matchmaker Graeme Cartmell posted on twitter that EFC Middleweight champion Jeremy Smith had signed the contract for his first title defence. Now I am not entirely familiar with the EFC’s protocol surround contract signing, but I cannot imagine the EFC and Smith putting pen to paper without a fight in mind. Who then, will Jeremy Smith defend his title against?

My initial thoughts were that Jeremy Smith may headline the fight card for EFC Africa 15, but on analysing the Middleweight landscape, this just doesn’t seem possible, who would he fight? With the recent developments regarding Darren Daniel and Tyron Rightford, the last two plausible opponents for Smith seem to have been removed from contention.  Here are my thoughts on Jeremy Smith’s possible opponents and why it is impossible for him to fight them at EFC 15:

Possible middleweight challengers for Jeremy Smith:

Tyron "Rush" Rightford

Reason: Already has a fight

In my article matches to make after EFC 12, Tyron Rightford (#3 Middlweight rankings) was my selected opponent for Jeremy Smith's first title defence. Rightford is currently 3-0 in the EFC and has won his last two fights in convincing fashion. However, as mentioned earlier, Tyron Rightford will now likely face Darren Daniel at EFC 15.

Garreth "Soldierboy" McLellan

Reason: Already has a fight

Post EFC 12, former EFC Africa middleweight champion Garreth McLellan (#2 Middleweight rankings) called for an immediate rematch with Jeremy Smith. While I think that this would be premature and that McLellan needs to string together a couple of wins first, many fans think otherwise. McLellan however is now slated to fight Danie van Heerden at EFC 14.

Darren "Double D" Daniel

Reason: Already has a fight

Darren Daniel (#4 Middleweight rankings) has long been one of the top fighters in South Africa. Daniel has been absent from the EFC Hexagon for almost two years, but looks all set to make his return at EFC 15 against Tyron Rightford.

Danie van Heerden

Reason: Already has a fight

Danie van Heerden made a giant leap up the South African middleweight rankings when he defeated ranked fighter Donavin Hawkey at EFC Africa 12. Van Heerden has also been touted by many as the rightful challenger  to Smith’s title. My feelings were that he required another convincing win against a top opponent to earn a shot, an opportunity he will been afforded in his upcoming fight against Garreth McLellan at EFC 14.

Armand de Bruyn

Reason: Has not earned a title shot yet

At EFC 13, Armand de Bryun defeated Abrie Valentine to take his current EFC win streak to three. De Bruyn however has not fought the level of opposition that would warrant a title shot, and has at most earned himself a shot at a top 5 opponent. With all these men, barring Smith, already in action, De Bruyn will have to wait for things to play out in the Middleweight division.

Michiel Opperman

Reason: Has earned himself a welterweight title shot

The EFC seem to have a tendency of allowing fighters to earn title fights in adjacent divisions. Opperman, a former middleweight, has been rampant across two divisions of late and has definitely earned himself a title shot. While it is generally believed that Opperman will face Jadyson Costa for the welterweight title, there is an outside shot that he may move back to middleweight to face Smith. To me this seems preposterous, but stranger things have happened.

So where does this leave Jeremy Smith?

After looking at the evidence, it is inconceivable that Jeremy Smith will defend his title at EFC Africa 15. Why then did he sign a fight contract? With all the top middleweight fighters in action, the logical answer is that one of the fights at either EFC 14 or EFC 15 is a number one contender fight and that the winner will get Jeremy Smith.

Which is the number one middleweight contender fight?

This is a very difficult call to make, as one could argue the case for either Garreth McLellan vs Danie van Heerden or Darren Daniel vs Tyron Rightford. Here is the evidence we have to work with:

• Darren Daniel (2) and Tyron Rightford (3) are currently on better win streaks than Garreth McLellan (0) and Danie van Heerden (2)
• Garreth McLellan has just fought Jeremy Smith in a title fight and following his loss needs to work his way back to the top
• Darren Daniel has not been in action for almost two years

There are definitely pros and cons for each fight and depending on how one see's the division and weights the importance of each of the above-mentioned points, the viewpoint may change. I personally believe that Tyron Rightford has the strongest claim for a title fight in the middleweight division right now, and short of him being awarded the shot, Rightford vs Daniel should be the number one contender bout. That being said, I can easily see it going the other way. 

What does it all mean for the middleweight title?

I believe we will see the winner of one of the potential number one contender bouts earning a title shot against Jeremy Smith at EFC 16 or 17 later this year. This however is purely my interpretation of recent events and could very well be way off.

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MMA Pound for Pound Rankings - April 2012

April brought with it some change to my pound for pound rankings. Firstly, fighters who have been inactive for too long a period were removed, this included local MMA legends Chris Bright, Rico Hattingh and Darren Daniel. EFC 13 too had an effect on the rankings as some fighters really put up their hands as top contenders in their respective divisions and pound for pound rankings. As a result this month’s ranking list is adorned by four new names. Here are my new South African MMA pound for pound rankings:

1. Jeremy “Pitbull” Smith (11-1)

Jeremy Smith has achieved more in his young MMA career than most South African MMA fighters. Currently on an 11 fight winning streak, the Pitbull has defeated local and international talent alike. On 2 March 2012, Jeremy Smith removed any doubt of him being the best fighter in the country by defeating a very game Garreth McLellan to earn the EFC Africa Middleweight title.

2. Costa Ioannou (4-0)

Costa Ioannou has been a dominant force in the EFC lightweight division since his debut in 2010,  manhandling his opponents en route the EFC Africa lightweight title. Ioannou was also the first fighter to successfully defend his EFC title in 2011, and still undefeated,  shows no signs of slowing down in the near future. Costa Ioannou will face former welterweight champion Adam Speechly in a lightweight title fight at EFC Africa 14.

3. Jadyson “Little Wanderlei” Costa (13-12)

Jadyson Costa has looked all but unstoppable in the EFC Hexagon. African Top Team’s Brazilian BJJ black belt has won all three of his EFC fights, and has received two submission of the night awards. At EFC 13, Costa dominated Dallas Jakobi to win the EFC Africa welterweight title and earn himself a place as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the South Africa.

4. Ruan “Fangzz” Potts (14-0)

Ruan Potts has had a dream run in the EFC, finishing every fighter the promotion has put in his path. In 2011 Potts earned himself the coveted EFC Africa heavyweight title, and later that year became the second man to successfully defend his title, mere minutes after Ioannou. Ruan Potts has won an extraordinary 14 fights in a row and has yet to be defeated in professional MMA.

5. Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan (6-2)

Garreth McLellan has evolved as a fighter over the past few years and now shows a completely well rounded game. McLellan, now 5-1 in the EFC, showed just why he is on this list in his titanic clash with Jeremy Smith at EFC 12, a fight in which he had the champion and P4P #1 in trouble on several occasions.

6. Michiel Opperman (10-6)

Riding an impressive 7 fight win streak against some of South Africa ‘s top MMA fighters, Opperman is on the brink of EFC Glory. At EFC 13, Opperman defeated Martin van Staden to become the number one welterweight contender. Opperman is a fighter who looks better each time he steps into the Hexagon and I look forward to seeing him challenging for the welterweight title in the near future.

7. Brendon Katz (7-1)

Brendon Katz’ sole professional loss was at the hands of Costa Ioannou in a fight of the night clash. Shy of that, Katz has racked up 7 wins, won an XFC title and has now made the jump to fighting internationally with great success. 

8. Demarte “The Wolf” Pena (3-0)

Reigning EFC Africa featherweight champion Demarte Pena is undefeated in the Hexagon and has defeated some of the top featherweights in the country. The wolf will face his greatest test when he meets dangerous contender Wesley Hawkey in his first title defence.

9. Wesley “The Young Assassin” Hawkey (7-2)

Wesley Hawkey has spent all of 5 minutes in the EFC Hexagon. In this time he has managed to string together 3 impressive wins, including a number one contender eliminator win against Denzil Wait. The Young Assassin will look to continue his impressive streak when he challenges Demarte Pena for the EFC featherweight title at EFC 14 in June.

10. Norman “Chef” Wessels (5-2)

Norman Wessels eradicated any doubts about his light heavyweight drop when he defeated Dain Neveling at EFC 13 in convincing fashion. Wessels, the former heavyweight champion, looked at his fighting best and sent a clear message of intent to the light heavyweight division. 

View all: South African MMA division rankings

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MMA Middleweight Rankings - April 2012

In the wake of EFC Africa 12 – McLellan vs Smith, it was not surprising that EFC 13 didn’t feature many Middleweight bouts. This has left the rankings largely unchanged for April. There are however, some serious matchups brewing and I don’t imagine this will be the case after EFC 14.

  

1. Jeremy “The Pitbull” Smith (11–1)

With his title fight win against Garreth McLellan at EFC 12, Jeremy “The Pitbull” Smith solidified his position atop this South African Middleweight division. Smith is now on an 11 fight winning streak, and holds notable wins over some of the country’s finest MMA athletes.

2. Garreth “Soldierboy” McLellan (6-2)

Garreth McLellan turned in an impressive performance against Jeremy Smith at EFC 12. Soldierboy, who suffered his first loss in the EFC Hexagon this weekend, will likely improve as a fighter from the experience. McLellan and his team will have to rebuild their way to a title shot in a hope to reclaim Middleweight gold.

3. Tyron “The Rush” Rightford (3-0)

A newcomer to MMA and the EFC, Rightford has quickly risen through the Middleweight ranks, besting everyone put in front him. The Rush’s recent demolition of MMA veteran Jacques Joubert at EFC Africa 11 earned him a position on this list and identified him as genuine contender in the Middleweight division. With a style similar to former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Lyoto Machida, Tyron Rightford uses his explosive Karate to simply outclass his opponents on the feet. If his, as of yet untested, ground game is solid, Rightford  could very well be a future EFC Africa Middleweight champion.

4. Darren “Double D” Daniel (5-1)

Darren Daniel is highly respected amongst the MMA elite. With notable wins over some of South Africa’s top MMA fighters, including former EFC Africa Welterweight champion Dallas Jakobi, Daniel is surely one of the greatest fighting talents South Africa has produced. Another Fight Fit Militia product, Daniel is ever improving as a fighter. Although quiet of late, there are whispers of Daniel’s return to the EFC and upon his return, is at most one win away from an EFC Africa Middleweight title shot.

5. Danie “Pitbull” Van Heerden (9-4)

Danie van Heerden was afforded a golden opportunity in Donavin Hawkey at EFC 12. Hawkey, a top middleweight contender, was a firm favourite going into the bout, but this did not stop van Heerden from pulling off an impressive upset victory and catapulting up the Middleweight rankings.

View all: MMA Rankings

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Jeremy Smith interviewed on The Octagon

Reigning EFC Africa middleweight champion Jeremy Smith was recently interviewed on The Octagon on My TeleSpace. The international show has taken a liking to South African athletes and featured many of our finest MMA fighters.

Jeremy Smith Interview Topics

The interview discusses:

• Jeremy Smith's martial arts history
• Jeremy Smith's MMA career both in South African and internationally
• Jeremy Smith vs Garreth McLellan at EFC 12
• Future prospects for Jeremy Smith

Jeremy Smith Interview

Click play below to listen to the full interview with Jeremy Smith on The Octagon.

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El Grande - Ultimate Power Challenge March 2012

Fighting Fit Kensington

Every Sunday, the fields opposite the 46 Brigade Army Base in Kensington, Johannesburg are transformed into a community fitness boot camp. Hosted by 46 KSCA (Kensington Spots Club and Academy), Fighting Fit Kensington is a complete workout divided into fifteen 1 minute exercises. The community workout takes place every Sunday from 10-11am and is free to the public. This is a great initiative for the Kensington community, both physically and socially.

El Grande – Ultimate Power Challenge

The El Grande Tyre

Once a month, Fighting Fit Kensington’s traditional workout is extended and athletes are able to test themselves against the mammoth El Grande Tyre. The El Grande Tyre weighs 700kg and the challenge is to push the tyre over an 80m course in the fastest possible time. The top 3 athletes from each monthly event qualify for an annual final and a chance to win prizes up to the value of R10,000.

EFC at El Grande

The El Grande events are frequented by some of the EFC’s top fighters and a great energy surrounds the event. EFC Africa fighter Wade Henderson was at the El Grande event on Sunday, no doubt training for EFC 13: Henderson vs James Le Roux

EFC's Wade Henderson tackles the El Grande Challenge

The EFC also uses the event to present their MMA title holders with official championship rings. This also gives the public a chance to interact with their favourite champions, take pictures or get autographs signed. 

EFC Championship Ring

Jeremy Smith at El Grande

The latest El Grande event, held on March 25th 2012, was attended by  EFC Africa Middleweight Champion Jeremy “Pitbull” Smith, who was presented with the championship ring that he earned at EFC Africa 12.

Jeremy Pitbull Smith presented with his EFC Ring

Dirk Steenekamp, Jeremy Smith, Cairo Howarth and Pietro Cignoli in front of the El Grande Tyre

Jeremy Smith takes photographs with fans at El Grande

All articles on: El Grande

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South African MMA by Province

The sport of Mixed Martial Arts is growing rapidly across South Africa, this is unquestionable, but where within our country’s borders is the most growth happening? This question is hard to answer. Firstly we need to define growth. Is it the overall number of people participating the sport? Is it the number of MMA events being held? Or is it the quality of the MMA fighters being produced?

In line with volumes of practitioners and events, Gauteng by sheer virtue of the population size must be the front runner. For the purpose of this article however, I have looked at the top professionals as a synechdoche for the province, and in doing so I hope to determine where the most talented MMA fighters are being produced. This will give us a closer idea as to where the South African MMA talent is best being nurtured.

Building further on this rather outrageous theory, I have used my recently released South African MMA Rankings to acquire a sample size of 30 of the top South African fighters, the top 5 from each division. In the case where fighters have relocated within the last year, their former provinces apply.

Here are my findings:

Eastern Cape MMA fighters overall stats:

EFC Champions in Eastern Cape	0
Percentage of Champions in Eastern Cape	0%
Top fighters in Eastern Cape	2
Percentage of Top fighters in Eastern Cape	7%
Eastern Cape fighter’s stats	46-9
Eastern Cape fighter’s win percentage	84%

Gauteng MMA fighters overall stats:

EFC Champions in Gauteng	3 - Demarte Pena, Costa Ioannou, Jeremy Smith
Percentage of Champions in Gauteng	60%
Top fighters in Gauteng	19
Percentage of Top fighters in Gauteng	63%
Gauteng fighter’s stats	148-48
Gauteng fighter’s win percentage	76%

Kwazulu-Natal MMA fighters overall stats:

EFC Champions in Kwazulu-Natal	1 – Dallas Jakobi
Percentage of Champions in Kwazulu-Natal	20%
Top fighters in Kwazulu-Natal	5
Percentage of Top fighters in Kwazulu-Natal	17%
Kwazulu-Natal fighter’s stats	54-16
Kwazulu-Natal fighter’s win percentage	77%

Western Cape MMA fighters overall stats:

EFC Champions in Western Cape	1 – Ruan Potts
Percentage of Champions in Western Cape	20%
Top fighters in Western Cape	3
Percentage of Top fighters in Western Cape	10%
Western Cape fighter’s stats	34-5
Western Cape fighter’s win percentage	87%

Provincial Analysis

Gauteng certainly seems to be producing the most top fighters. This was not altogether a surprise due to the fact that Gauteng has the biggest fighter base to work from. Kwazulu-Natal, which has had a very active MMA community for some years now is the province producing the second most top fighters. Western Cape claims the third spot, but interestingly all the fighters representing the province were heavyweights. The Eastern Cape is the last province represented, incidentally only by lightweight fighters. No other South African provinces were represented in the top 30 fighters.

For those wondering why the numbers don’t add up, light heavyweight fighter Paul van Vuuren was not assigned a province as he left South Africa in 2010.

MMA growth by province

1. Gauteng
2. Kwazulu-Natal
3. Western Cape
4. Eastern Cape

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