Pretoria, South Africa – EFC’s 10th year continues with another first for the organisation. Honouring the elite performances in and out of the Hexagon, the first annual awards event was hosted last night at Guy Fieri in Time Square, Menlyn, Pretoria, just days ahead of EFC 77.
Added to the awards themselves, athletes competing at EFC 77 faced-off for the first time ahead of Saturday’s fights. Massive cheers were heard from those in attendance in anticipation of the action they will bring to the Hexagon as they stood face-to-face and stared each other down.
The full list of categories and winners are:
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR – Presented by EasyEquities
Justin Smith
WALKOUT OF THE YEAR – Presented by Aquavita
Amisi Kabeya – EFC 73
REFEREE OF THE YEAR – Presented by Auto Excellence
Ferdinand Basson
EFC MEDIA SOURCE OF THE YEAR
MMA Republic
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Simon Stephens
PHOTO OF THE YEAR
Roarke Bouffe
GYM OF THE YEAR
KO Fighting Fitness
COACH OF THE YEAR – Presented by ACS
Richard Quan
ATHLETE SPONSOR OF THE YEAR
A-Team Emergency Medical Services, a division of Ramessur Inc. for their significant support. Accepting on their behalf is sponsored athlete Amanda Lino
MOST DEDICATED ATHLETE AWARD – Presented and selected by EFC VP Talent Graeme Cartmell
Pierre Botha
MOST EXCITING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Presented by The Capital Hotels and Apartments
Faeez Jacobs
FIGHTERS’ CHOICE AWARD – Presented by Constantia Insurance
Nkazimulo Zulu
SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR – Presented by RDG
Caleb Ridley submits August Kayambala via RNC – EFC 68
KNOCK-OUT OF THE YEAR – Presented by Restonic
Mzwandile Hlongwa KOs Torbjorn Madsen via spinning elbow – EFC 75
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Presented by Sun International
Dalcha Lungiambula
FIGHT OF THE YEAR – Presented by Dragon Energy
Amanda Lino vs Rizlen Zouak – EFC 75
“This was truly a remarkable evening for all involved,” stated EFC President Cairo Howarth. “It was a great honour to be able to officially recognise everyone’s hard work and devotion both in and outside the Hexagon.” Howarth concluded, “A massive congratulations to all the winners, nominees and everyone involved. Here is to 2019 being our biggest and best year yet!”
EFC 77 Van Staden vs Cummins, Vanderaa vs Misholas takes place on Saturday 16 March live from Time Square, Menlyn Maine, Pretoria. Tickets are on sale at computicket.com, and the 5 main card bouts will be broadcast live on SuperSport (Sub-Saharan Africa), DAZN (USA & Italy), TV 2 – Sports 1 (Norway), FIGHT SPORTS (Where available) & EFCworldwide.tv (Where available) starting at 18:00 (CAT) & SABC 3 delayed live at 21:30 (CAT). Full broadcast details available on efcworldwide.com.