Johannesburg, South Africa – Last week it was revealed that former champion Boyd Allen had notified EFC about an illness which may force him to pull from the fight against champion Igeu Kabesa. It is now official – Allen has withdrawn from the bout to be replaced by the highly dangerous Brazilian, Paul ‘Bananada’ Silva.

Taking place at the heavier lightweight Igeu Kabesa is no stranger to fighting there. With victories over the likes of Ireland’s Peter Queally, South Africa’s Barend Nienaber and Zimbabwe’s Regis Muyambo all at lightweight.

But Silva offers a challenge unlike any Kabesa has faced before. Phenomenally experienced with a professional MMA record of 22-12, he is also a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu blackbelt and a multiple MMA champion. Silva is the real deal.

Originally from Rio de Janerio, he has fought out of Team Noguira under the famous Noguira brothers for most of his career. He recently moved to South Africa to take on a coaching and athlete position at Fighting Sports Centre with Brendon Katz, where he was first approached as a potential replacement for Allen.

Silva accepted without hesitation, “It will take heart, guts, and skill to win this fight. I have all of these, so I have no problem stepping up at short notice. This is just the entry into EFC that I hoping for.”

Kabesa had no comment on the opponent and fight change. Because the fight will take place at the heavier weight category, the EFC featherweight belt will not be on the line. As the co-main event, the bout will be fought over three rounds.

EFC 67 Eliasov vs Penco, Kabesa vs Silva is presented by Betxchange.com and takes place on Saturday 10 March live from Carnival City, Johannesburg. Tickets are on sale at computicket.com, and the 5 main card bouts will be broadcast live on kwesesports.com (Sub-Saharan Africa), Kwesé Free Sports 1 (Kenya & Rwanda), TVplayer (UK) and live in South Africa on SABC 3 starting at 21:00 (CAT). Full broadcast details available on efcworldwide.com.