Dricus du Plessis champions the Knox Legacy Series in Cape Town
South African middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Cape Town's Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis today announced that EFC will return to return to Cape Town.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
Cape Town's mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters are set to demonstrate their grit and determination at the highly anticipated Knox Legacy Series 2026, scheduled for February.
On February 26, 2026, the GrandWest Grand Arena will host these talented athletes as they showcase their skills in what promises to be the inaugural event in a thrilling series of fights for the year.
Fighters who will be representing Cape Town in the fights include “Troublemaker” Faeez Jacobs (Current 3x EFC Bantamweight Champion), Luke Michael (Men’s Middleweight Champion), Terrence Balo, Tumelo "Mellow" Manyamala and Adriaan Sanchez, who will be facing off against the global force of yet-to-be-announced fighters.
Knox Hydrate founders Ethan Hughes and Dricus du Plessis were joined by EFC president Cairo Howarth and Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis for the announcement of the MMA series.
“For the first time, we’re bringing together the world of elite combat sports, lifestyle and the mindset of mixed martial arts athletes, and the beauty of South African culture together. Fervently showcasing the Mother City of our country, Cape Town, as one of the iconic cities in the world.”
Fighters will be showcasing the true meaning of blood, sweat and tears as they participate in the freshly announced Knox Legacy Series 2026.
Image: Theolin Tembo/Independent Newspapers
Hughes thanked both EFC and the City for coming on board to support the event, which Hill-Lewis said has been a long time in the making.
“This has been a passion and vision of his, Dricus, for a couple of years now. We are very honoured and privileged that, in the end, it is going to be hosted in Cape Town.
“There is a huge fanbase in Cape Town, we know there is going to be big support for this event in the City, and we know it will be broadcast nationally and internationally.”
Hill-Lewis said that the level of the platform will help in their mission of growing the event, and showcase that Cape Town can host a title bout in the future.
“We will pull out all the stops to ensure that it is an unforgettable event.”
Du Plessis, the former UFC Middleweight champion, said that the event will not only be about the fights or the fighters, but it is also about ensuring more people can have the opportunities to sustain themselves in the sport.
“I wanted to give back to this sport that has given me everything. As cliché as that sounds, it is 100% a fact,” he said.
Howarth said that he knows fans will raise the roof at the event and added that the fight card will be released soon, with more announcements anticipated in the coming weeks.
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Cape Argus