EFC 126 on Thursday delivered a night of electrifying finishes and unforgettable moments at the World Sports Betting Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa, Afrosport reports.
In the main event, reigning flyweight champion Willie van Rooyen successfully defended his belt against Moldovan challenger Anatolie Gafin, once again proving why he remains one of the most dominant forces in Africa.
Van Rooyen, who has steadily built one of the most impressive records in the organisation, showcased his speed, precision, and finishing power in a statement performance, submitting Gafin in the first round.
With this latest victory, speculation is mounting that the Pretoria-based star could be the next African to follow in the footsteps of former EFC double-division champion Dricus du Plessis and make the leap to the global stage.
The gold stays in Africa! #ANDSTILL#EFC126 pic.twitter.com/OCh6uHshP8
— EFC Worldwide (@EFCworldwide) August 7, 2025
The event was punctuated by highlight-reel finishes and an action-packed atmosphere. Fans in attendance and viewers around the world were treated to a card stacked with thrilling performances from top to bottom, setting a high bar for the remainder of the EFC calendar.
With EFC 126 now in the books, all eyes shift across the Atlantic, where former EFC Middleweight and Welterweight Champion du Plessis prepares to defend his UFC Middleweight title in Chicago. The South African trailblazer continues to serve as a beacon for the continent’s rising stars, having paved the way from EFC dominance to UFC gold.
Back on home soil, attention turns to the long-awaited grudge match headlining EFC 127 on 11 September, where defending heavyweight champion Elvis Moyo takes on former titleholder ‘HHH’ Djikasa.
This bout — months in the making — is driven by intense animosity between both camps. Moyo, also the African Heavyweight Boxing Champion, looks to solidify his claim as the most dangerous man on the continent, while Djikasa is determined to reclaim the crown and restore his legacy.
Official results from EFC 126:
- Willie van Rooyen def. Anatolie Gafin via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 2:04
- Ntando Zondi def. Kgaugelo Moitshela via TKO (Strikes) – Round 2, 0:51
- Gift Walker def. Sibusiso Sovendle via Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 2, 1:45
- Ziko Makengele def. Wallace Okosso via TKO (Strikes) – Round 1, 3:14
- Zhane Tannous def. Stefan Booysen via KO – Round 1, 0:14
- Moses Mokhari def. Lucky Magekha via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 3:01
- Jesse Schaper def. Tshepo Majuba via Tapout (Armbar) – Round 2, 2:11
- Roberto Miyaba def. Rudolf Sekhukhune via Unanimous Decision – 3 rounds
- Vuyo Jula def. Siyanda Vilakazi via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 2:49
- Ash Zola def. Veja Hinda via Unanimous Decision – Round 3
EFC 126 Bonuses
Fight of the Night: Moses Mokhari vs Lucky Magekha
Performance Bonuses: Zhane Tannous, Gift Walker & Willie van Rooyen
