EFC kicks off the year with an action-packed fight card EFC 84 in 10 days.
A new decade has just begun, with new opportunities for EFC athletes to write their name in the history books, to be immortalised amongst some of the best that have ever stepped in the Hexagon. EFC returns to Menlyn for EFC 84 to kick-off 2020 season on Saturday 14 March at Time Square. A starting point for some, the culmination of years of hard work for others. But specifically for the champion, it is about cementing his legacy as the first and only ever Zimbabwean MMA world champion as he puts his title at steak against the undefeated threat of Lyle Karam. A man possessed to travel around the world to claim gold.
EFC 84 is proudly presented by Restonic and takes place on Saturday 14 March at Time Square, Menlyn.
Watch The Countdown to EFC 84 Gorimbo vs Karam:
WELTERWEIGHT GOLD
Gorimbo made history when he became the first ever Zimbabwean MMA world champion. But he has never taken his foot off the gas pedal as he continued career campaigning since he wrapped the coveted EFC belt around his waist. He has over a decade of pushing through adversity, constantly visualizing his hand being raised against the greatest and the most threatening.
In the EFC Welterweight Grand Prix finale, he dismantled his opponent to claim gold and named himself the king of the division, yet he is still to defend his crown, the mark of a tried and tested champion. He is a man with singular focus, eyes firmly set on becoming one of the greatest to ever have fought in the Hex. He intends to propel himself to the MMA hall of fame, through systematic challenging, visualizing and dispatching of any athlete blocking that proposed reality.
Based out of Melbourne, Australia, Lyle Karam is the definition of endurance, persistence, and commitment. Karam, a young phenomenon that tore through EFC like a storm achieving the title of the next with an impressive 6-fight win streak. He has been arduously working on breaking down the doors to the MMA main stage after a 3-year hiatus from competition but amassing an internationally forged MMA skill set. Karam returned to action in the EFC Hex October last year and with a fight of the night performance under his belt and his hand raised in victory, Karam had truly announced himself as a top contender in the stacked welterweight division.
LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDERSHIP
Preceding the main event sees two crowd favourites collide! The most experienced active EFC athlete on the roster, with 22 EFC bouts, Anicet Kanyeba continues his hunt for an elusive title shot, while the champ Cummins is away. Currently riding an impressive 4-fight win streak and 83% finish rate, another win could see him over take the No.1 contender Alain Ilunga. But a newly re-invented machine of an athlete stands in his way in Pierre Botha. A man that knows how to drag his opponent into deep waters, has recently found his KO power. Having KOed his 2 of his last three opponents in devastating fashion.
RISE TO LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
The older of the famous Du Plessis brothers steps out his brother’s shadow, as he moves up to the light heavyweight division in search of his own accolades in the sport and promotion. While Dricus currently holds the middleweight belt, Niel, wants to hold his own belt in the near future, especially in front of his home crowd of Pretoria. The more experienced of the two men, Stefan Pretorius is actually a bigger threat on the mat in contrast to his alias, with his submission skills being pertinent threat to any who face him.
FROM PROSPECTS TO CONTENDERS
THE DRC is renowned for producing some of the world’s best fighters, evident in the ranks held in EFC and other major promotions. Two mega prospects from the region have been climbing the ranks and claiming accolades and scalps along the way are now set to clash, and make their main card debuts. Undefeated Tshilumba Mikixi steps up to challenge the incredibly explosive August Kayambala. A botu that has Fight of the Night written all over it.
BANTAMWEIGHT BURNER
Poetchestroom’s own, Roevan de Beer has been on a hot tear in the EFC in recent months. After a touchy start to his career, he now rides high on a 3-fight win streak. None of them have gone the distance. A 4th straight win will elevate him amongst the top of the division, amongst the top contenders like Sylvester Chipfumbu, Devon Cronje and Nkazimulo Zulu, who are all vying for a shot at the champ Faeez Jacobs. However, Port Elizabeth’s 2nd degree Judo Black Belt, Sindile Manengela stands in his way. Having had mixed success at featherweight, the aggressive submission artist looks now at the fast paced bantamweight division with a renewed vigor.
All this, and many of the world’s rising talents to feature a super exciting 7-bout prelim card that are sure to produce a highlight reel of unforgettable moments and finishes.
EFC 84 Gorimbo vs Karam is presented by Restonic, which is taking place on Saturday 14 March, live from Time Square, Pretoria. This title fight headlines the EFC 84 12-bout fight card. Tickets are on sale at computicket.com. Full broadcast details available on efcworldwide.com.
About EFC® – The Extreme Fighting Championship®
Headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, EFC is a world leading mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation. EFC produces 10 live events annually at sold out arenas. With over 200 athletes exclusively contracted to the organisation, EFC showcases the greatest warriors on the planet.
EFC events are broadcast in over 120 countries around the world on numerous television networks in multiple languages. EFC programming is available weekly in 600+ million TV households globally, making it one of the most recognisable MMA brands in the world.
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