EFC77 got the MMA year off to a flying start with 12 bouts of epic proportions. The card delivered on all aspects with end to end action, KO’s, titles and the odd spec of drama and speculation. The prelims where highlighted by an extremely important match up between 2 former team mates and wrestling phenoms in Roedie Roets and Pierre Botha. The fight ended in what is being billed as contender for KO of the year already. At the summit of the main, the American Jared Vanderaa successfully made his worst EFC heavyweight defense against the ever dangerous Ricky Misholas. The main event saw the UK’s Joe Cummins take on South African MMA legend Martin Van Staden for the Vacant lightweight belt. Cummins managed to execute a stellar game plan to claim that title. With the first event no done and dusted we take at the potential match ups made available in its wake.
- Joe Cummins vs ALain Ilunga
Ilunga made his return on the same night (EFC77) after nearly 2 years and extended his winning streak to 7 straight with a gritty hard fought fight against the Polish New comer Lukasz Swirydovicz. The UK Based pole was a stern test for the high flying and dangerous striker that is Alain Ilunga, a test in which he passed with flying colors. Ilunga has long waited in line to get his title shot and surely now there can be nothing in his way besides a very impressive mixed martial artist in Joe Cummins. The perfect team vengeance story in a quest to reclaim the belt for Africa and another mans quest to keep the belt in Birmingham.
2. Jared Vanderaa vs Stuart Austin
The EFC heavyweight division opened up with the departure of Champion Dalcha, but with his departure , Andrew Van Zyl retiring, Potts coming off a lose and Wessel Mostert being inactive, the division is looking a little light in conenders. Stuart Austin managed to KO the the man with the granite chin in Andrew Van Zyl in a near perfect heavyweight performance. He also owns wins over EFC legend Elvis Moyo in the heavyweight Division. It would make perfect sense now the Brit and the American to lock horns for the Heavyweight title.
3. gideon Drotschie vs Quinton Rossouw
The light heavyweight division is another that has opened up with the departure of CHampion Dalcha and the EFC now in search of contenders for the vacant title. Rossouw welcomed the TF1 contestant Shaw Dean at EFC77 and took his tally to 3-0. The EFC have hinted that the former Champ Drotschie will be in the conversation for the vacant title and it would seem that contender could very well be Rossouw.
