Two MMA fighters from Springs emerged victorious at EFC 123: Africa vs Brazil on May 8 at the Sporting Arena in Johannesburg.
Gift Walker and Peace Nguphane from House of Tinkerbell won at the event, which featured a stacked 12-fight card, including three title fights.
The main card opened with a fiery clash. Nguphane scored an impressive win over Jaco du Plessis, setting the tone for what would become a night of dominance for the local contestants. After three rounds, he won by unanimous decision.
During the preliminary card, Walker defeated Moses Mokhari unanimously after three rounds. Gift confidently said the fight went as he had expected.
“There were no surprises from my opponent. I knew that he was a solid kickboxer, so I had to keep a certain range, but everything went according to plan.”
He felt great to be back in the cage doing what he loves most.
“I am looking to fight in June or July again, so hopefully we can get something up to keep this momentum going,” he said.
Their coach, JP Kruger said, “I am so proud of those two boys. They are always in the gym. They work hard to achieve their dreams. Both these victories were well earned.”
Kruger sentimentally declared that whenever his team does well, he gives all the glory to God.
Peace Nguphane secured a win against Jaco du Plessis.
In the championship triple-header, Willie van Rooyen, Amanda Lino, and JC Lamprecht all claimed gold, securing victories against high-calibre Brazilian challengers.
Lamprencht defeated Édson Silva by tapout 4 minutes and 55 seconds into round 1. In the women’s flyweight championship bout, Lino defeated Mariana Salles by unanimous decision after five rounds.
Meanwhile, Van Rooyen knocked out Kleberson Sousa 37 seconds into round 1.
Main card results:
Terence Balelo defeated Marcio Oliveira by TKO 2:55 into round 2.
Preliminary card results:
Francis Martin defeated Mpho Hloka by TKO 3:00 into round 3.
Zhane Tannous defeated Wallace Okosso by TKO 2:19 into round 1.
Emmanuel Sita defeated Marcel Els by TKO 0:23 into round 1.
Robert Miyaba defeated Tshepo Majuba by Tapout 2:52 into round 2.
William Lekana defeated Allistar Kunene by Tapout 0:00 into r
Tebatso Molele defeated Vuyo Jula by TKO (strikes) 1:15 into round 2.
Gift Walker lands a punch on opponent, Moses Mokhari.
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