Johannesburg, South Africa – Weigh-in for EFC 79 took place at Carnival City, Johannesburg today, with reigning undisputed champion, Igeu Kabesa (11-1) taking-on the super dangerous undefeated ‘Croatian Cowboy’ Karlo Caput (8-0), and Zimbabwe’s Themba Gorimbo (6-2) challenges Brazil’s Jose Da Rocha (10-5) in the first fight of the EFC welterweight Grand Prix.
For Kabesa, one of the most decorated athletes in the organisation, it is about furthering his legacy and beating the best he can. Since reclaiming the belt, he has looked unstoppable, running through all his past opponents.
“I don’t see any challenge in Caput,” stated the champ confidently. “It isn’t ‘if I win’, I am keeping the belt.”
Croatia’s Caput was his generally stoic self, coming in to this title fight undefeated in eight clashes fought in promotions in throughout Europe.
“He is a good fighter from what I have seen on videos”, stated the challenger. “I will give it my best tomorrow night. I am always ready!”
In the penultimate fight of the evening, an intense Themba Gorimbo faces Jose Da Rocha in a no.1 contender bout in the welterweight Grand Prix.
Both men made the welterweight bracket, standing tall and unfazed by the other’s intensity.
With 32 fights between Anicet Kanyeba and Pietie Coxen, the two veterans know how to put on a show and finish a fight with their slick boxing. Coxen made weight, while Kanyeba made weight within the extra 2-hours after weigh-in.
Making their main card debuts, Durban’s Khulekani Hlongwa takes-on Johannesburg’s Stefan Pretorius. In a classic striker versus grappler styled bout, Karate black belt Hlongwa will be looking for the KO while Pretorius hunts the submission.
Eastrand’s own, the ever entertaining Tumisang Madiba, makes a quick turn around after his recent 2nd round finish, and welcomes the newly signed Brazilian, Reinaldo Ekson, to the EFC Hexagon. Both are aggressive competitors that push the pace, with fans looking forward to an exciting opening bout to the main card.
The official EFC 79 weigh-in results are as follows:
Fight 1: Lightweight
Tommy Strydom 154.3lbs
Given Majuba 154.9lbs
Fight 2: Bantamweight
Themba Mkhize 131.9lbs
Corne Blom 135.3lbs
Fight 3: Bantamweight
Hishaam Kamish 129.6lbs
Roevan de Beer 133.3lbs
Fight 4: Lightweight
Rocky Ilunga 154.7lbs
Elvis Ngwalangwala 153.1lbs
Fight 5: Heavyweight
Nico Yamdjie 264lbs
Juan Bezuidenhout 261.8lbs
Fight 6: Featherweight
Billy Oosthuizen 143.2lbs
Faeez Jacobs 142.7lbs
Fight 7: Lightweight
Reinald Ekson 155.2lbs
Tumisang Madiba 154.5lbs
Fight 8: Middleweight
Stefan Pretorius 183.1lbs
Khulekani Hlongwa 185lbs
Fight 9: Welterweight
Pietie Coxen 167.3lbs
Anicet Kanyeba 162.7lbs
Fight 10: Welterweight
Jose Da Rocha 170.5lbs
Themba Gorimbo 170lbs
Fight 11: Featherweight Title Fight
Karlo Caput 144lbs
Igeu Kabesa 144.8lbs
EFC 79 Kabesa vs Caput, Gorimbo vs Da Rocha is presented by Restonic Mattresses and takes place on Saturday 4 May live from Carnival City, Johannesburg. Tickets are on sale at www.computicket.com. Full broadcast details available at www.efcworldwide.com.