MMA Sport News, Updates and Exclusive Interviews for South Africa
From the ardent MMA fan to the novice newbie, we have everything you need to stay in the loop and enjoy everything the world of MMA has to offer. MMA, and the UFC in particular, is among the fastest growing sports in the world and its popularity in South Africa is no different. So, there you have it, from fundamentals, the history of the sport, rules and regulations to news, insights and the occasional betting suggestions we have you covered.
Latest MMA News
The latest MMA news currently circles around the build-up to UFC 311. It’s the first main event of the year and a pair of title fights headline proceedings. Merab Dvalishvili faces the undefeated Umar Nurmagomedov for the bantamweight title while Islam Makhachev defends his lightweight belt against Arman Tsarukyan!
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Top MMA Events in South Africa
The Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) is the biggest Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) content producer in South Africa, often celebrated for its contribution to the growth of the sport in the South African region. Boasting a fighter list of over 120 athletes, hosting 10 live events annually on their calendar and selling out some of the biggest arena’s in Africa EFC is truly the home of MMA in South Africa and indeed the African continent.
As the home of MMA in South Africa, EFC sees the biggest fights in the country take place under their roof and these are showcased to fans around the continent!
As the innovative and professional watchdog of MMA on the continent, The EFC also showcases their Contender Series annually. This series seeks to showcase exhibition bouts alongside amateur encounters all under one roof and on one stage. The opportunity for amateur fighters (in particular) is immeasurable, and they are given a chance to illustrate their talent on a professional stage - all in an effort to uncover the latest MMA talent across Africa.
Amateur fighters are given the chance to impress MMA agents and secure professional contracts and so the vision of closing the gap between aspiring fighters and professional athletes is made real as expressed by EFC executives.
Best South African MMA Fighter Wins
Africa has a proud history of fighters, and the increase in popularity amongst mixed martial arts has largely seen young fighters coming out of the woodwork! South Africa in particular has provided excellent new talent and indeed world champions!
Here is a look at some big South African MMA fighter wins…
Don Madge was a lightweight fighter who was amongst the first to break into the UFC. He won both UFC bouts before moving across to the Professional Fighters League (PFL), but his knockout win against Te Edwards on October 28th, 2018, is best known for showing off his aggressive and athletic ability!
A household name in the EFC, Luthando “Shorty” Biko secured a huge win at an Ares Fighting Championship event where he demolished Samir Faiddine of France. This was Biko’s fourth win in a row and impressively the young fighter hasn’t tasted defeat – at the time of writing – since 2021.
Mark Hulme is often celebrated as the king of submissions. Now, when you consider the fact that almost half of all of his professional bouts have ended in submission, his nickname makes plenty of sense. As one of the big names in the EFC, his fight against Ziko Makengele on the 13th of April saw him win his first major championship belt – yes, by way of a rear naked choke hold!
South African Top Fighters Who Made History
Dricus Du Plessis
Without a shadow of a doubt, Dricus Du Plessis is arguably the greatest South African MMA fighter of all time. He reached the top of the mountain and has been dominant through both the EFC and the UFC. Beating everyone in front of him, Du Plessis beat the likes of Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland en route to be crowned UFC champion.
He is the first South African to be crowned UFC champion and so takes his rightful place in South African history.
Dalcha Lungiambula
Often associated with being a proud family man, Lungiambula dedicates all of his fights publicly to his family and seemingly relies heavily on their support and presence. He has won both the EFC light heavyweight championship as well as the heavyweight championship in South Africa.
Yes, the move up to the UFC was seemingly difficult with Lungiambula only winning two bouts from a possible six but the South African fighter still goes down in history for being amongst the first fighters to earn UFC status.
Igeu Kabesa
Admittedly, Kabesa is a fighter who one might say is in the process of making history. Now at 30 years old, he is considered to be amongst the very best fighters on the African continent and many will be hoping he gets a chance in the UFC soon.
With an EFC record of 18-2, he is without question one of the best pound-for-pound fighters. Kabesa boasts a huge fanbase and following, something indicative of a roaring MMA market within the age of social media.
South Africa’s Iconic MMA Venues
There is only one venue that comes to mind when you think of an iconic MMA venue in South Africa. The EFC performance institute is synonymous with MMA in South Africa. Hosting a range of fighting events and training facilities, it is an iconic space in Johannesburg.
World Sports Betting has acknowledged this and have attached their name to the arena, bringing with it upgrades which allow fighters, promoters and fans the opportunity to enjoy events from Africa to the world.