Zaakir Badat retained his welterweight after defeating Luke Michael at EFC 120 in Johannesburg on Thursday night, Afrosport reports.
Badat’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills and physical strength were on full display as he unleashed a hellacious onslaught of ground and pound.
He then locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Michael to tap out in the first round to retain his title as Welterweight champion.
#ANDSTILL
Zaakir Badat still sits atop the welterweight throne 👑 #EFC120 pic.twitter.com/ITa9OeVXj5— EFC Worldwide (@EFCworldwide) December 12, 2024
Meanwhile, the co-main event saw Martin van Staden triumph over Igeu Kabesa for the lightweight title. Both athletes were aware of each other’s strengths and weaknesses but it was Van Staden’s powerful shots that ensured he dethroned the most decorated EFC champion in history by sinking in a second-round rear-naked choke.
In the clash between Musa Setwape and Shannon Van Tonder, Van Tonder proved to be the superior athlete on the night, outclassing Setwape on the feet to claim victory.
The prelims were filled with exciting prospects with Jaden Van der Merwe defeated Christopher Matukane via a technical knockout while Terrence Born got the better of Jeremie Tshibala also via a technical knockout.
