Who’s Next For EFC Heavyweight Champion Matunga Djikasa
On Thursday evening, EFC 98 took place in Johannesburg, South Africa and this event witnessed Matunga Djikasa claim the Heavyweight championship. Now, in the immediate aftermath of that, the question is who might be next for the new King of the EFC’s Heavyweights.
The championship had been vacant for over a year and, following his unsuccessful first attempt at gold last year, ‘HHH Power’ Djikasa went to war against Vandam Mbuyi, who also felt he had something to prove. With both fighters looking to be called the best in the division and enter the rank of champions, the situation between the two and their respective camps became a highly volatile situation rather quickly.
Ultimately, Djikasa came out on top on the night and, before even getting the gold wrapped around his waist, the new champion seemed to spark a new rivalry. In Mbuyi’s corner was EFC Heavyweight legend, Elvis ‘The Bomber’ Moyo and, after the fight, Djikasa went towards the corner and seemed to anger the Mbuyi camp – especially Moyo. Vandam Mbuyi, having recovered at that point and being inside the hex with Djikasa, got up to defend his corner from Djikasa and this led to another altercation between the two before security stepped in to break them up.
By the end of the night, Djikasa had the gold wrapped around his waist whilst EFC Hex announcer, Khotso Bilal Rammopo, announced him as the new champion.
This makes for an interesting situation though. Seemingly being ready for challengers, fight fans could see heavyweight contenders step forward and challenge for that prime spot. Djikasa might also serve as the motivation for Moyo to step back into the hex with his last fight dating back to EFC 73 in 2018.
Djikasa might decide to take the rest of the year off and look to make his first defence in the new year but, for now, the heavyweight division has a champion who is clearly not afraid to take on the challengers.
EFC 98 Full Results
Matunga Djikasa def. Vandam Mbuyi via TKO (Strikes) in Round 3 (02:13) [EFC Heavyweight Championship Fight]
Jaco du Plessis def. Diego Bandu via Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) [Middleweight Fight]
Vince Bembe def. Ashley Calvert via KO (Punches) in Round 1 (00:40) [Featherweight Fight]
Aureo Cruz def. Amisi Kabeya via TKO (Strikes) in Round 1 (02:30) [Featherweight Fight]
Stefan Pretorius def. Khulekani Hlongwa via Submission (Armbar) in Round 2 (03:19) [Middleweight Fight]
Crystal van Wyk def. Peris Githeka via TKO (Strikes) in Round 1 (01:58) [Women’s Strawweight Fight]
Vuyo Jula def. Mpumelelo Mngoma via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) [Flyweight Fight]
Billy Nyembo def. Glody Kanzeko via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) in Round 1 (04:02) [Lightweight Fight]
Christopher Matukane def. Maurice Kabamba via TKO (Strikes) in Round 1 (00:15) [Middleweight Fight]
Juliet Ukah def. Mischka Laubscher via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) [Women’s Flyweight Fight]
Given Majuba def. Angelo Foloti via Submission (Anaconda Choke) in Round 1 (02:40) [Welterweight Fight]
EFC 99 will see Igeu Kabesa defend his Featherweight championship against Bradley Swanepoel, as well as Nkazimulo Zulu challenging for Nicholas Hwende’s Bantamweight championship. That takes place on Thursday, November 3rd.
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