The final EFC weigh-ins of the year provided an intense atmosphere inside the World Sports Betting Arena in Johannesburg with two highly anticipated title fights earmarking the EFC 120 event scheduled for Thursday, 12 December, Afrosport reports.
20 athletes made their way to the scales earlier today, as middleweight champion Luke Michael is set to challenge the reigning welterweight champion Zaakir Badat in a history-making bout, while EFC’s current double champion, Igeu Kabesa, puts his lightweight title on the line against former sparring partner Martin Van Staden.
Michael came in at 169.8 pounds, while Badat, who kept his composure during the weigh-in, came in at 168.5 lbs. Kabesa, on the other hand, measured in at 153 lbs, with his challenger van Staden recording a weight of 148.4 lbs ahead of their lightweight title fight.
The stage is set for the final showdown on the year 🔥
DON’T MISS #EFC120 THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER pic.twitter.com/zI0kkvZ6Ky
— EFC Worldwide (@EFCworldwide) December 11, 2024
The two title fights are part of the five-bout EFC 120 main card, which is scheduled to start at 6 pm on Thursday, with five more in the preliminary card, which is expected to begin three hours earlier.
The long-awaited clash between Musa Setwape and Shannon Van Tonder was initially scheduled a year ago but had to be postponed after Van Tonder faced some health issues.
Tensions were at an all-time high during the weigh-ins, where Setwape, visibly frustrated by the delay, got right in Van Tonder’s face and had to be held back by Night Guard security, bringing the intensity to a boiling point.
While the main card is stacked, the preliminaries are also something to be excited for, as the card is loaded with talent and sure to set the tone for the entire night. The early bouts will feature well-known names eager to make a statement in their final appearances of the year.
EFC 120 Main Card
Welterweight title fight
Zaakir Badat (SA) 168.5lbs vs. Luke Michael (SA) 169.8lbs
Lightweight title fight
Igeu Kabesa (SA) 153.lbs vs. Martin van Staden (SA) 148.4lbs
Bantamweight fight
Shannon van Tonder (SA) 142.8lbs vs. Musa Sethwape (SA) 137.8 lbs
Featherweight fight
Ken Sekeletu (ZMB) 142.9lbs vs. Vince Bembe (SA) 143.2lbs
Bantamweight fight
Ntando Zondi (SA) 135.2lbs vs. Sibusiso Sovendle (SA) 135.1lbs
Preliminary Card
Middleweight fight
JT Botha (SA) 181.5lbs vs. Khulekani Hlongwa (SA) 184.2lbs
Bantamweight fight
Moses Mokhari (SA) 133.4lbs vs. Rian Dunn (SA) 133lbs
Heavyweight fight
Jeremie Tshibala (DRC) 243.8lbs vs. Terrence Born (SA) 228lbs
Bantamweight fight
David Mambo (DRC) 135.1lbs vs. Thimna Mhlauli (SA) 135.9lbs
Middleweight fight
Christopher Matukane (SA) 180.6lbs vs. Jaden Van Der Merwe (SA) 184.3lbs
