Diego Bandu dismantles Luke Michael at EFC 131 KNOX Legacy Series

f anything was taken away from Thursday night’s MMA event at Grand West Casino and Entertainment World, it has to be this: Cape Town is the Fight Capital of Mzansi, and it needs to be fed more high-level mixed martial arts events.

Fans pulled up in droves to fill the Grand Arena last night to witness the return of Africa’s premier MMA promotion after a seven-year hiatus.

In partnership with KNOX Hydration and the City of Cape Town, the EFC delivered a fight card reminiscent of last year’s epic PFL Africa event, as passionate fans jived, jolled, and cheered on their favourite gladiators who stepped inside the hallowed EFC Hexagon, looking to leave their mark and contribute to the EFC 131 KNOX Legacy Series.

Under the unofficial theme, “Cape Town Takes on the World,” 26 athletes stepped up, with a strong contingent of local fighters throwing down against some of the most exciting international stars from across the globe, including Australia and Brazil.

The only real disappointment of the night, however, was the EFC’s treatment of the local mainstream media, who were confined to lower-level arena access (C-Block) that included an obstructed view of the Hexagon, as we were positioned directly across one of the cage’s corners. We were seated among fans, which was manageable from the perspective of being on the ground and getting a real feel for things from a fan’s point of view.

However, it was an unpleasant experience, as we were forced to balance laptops on our laps to file stories on awkward fold-back chairs, while also running around and entrusting EFC staff backstage to charge devices due to the lack of proper tables or power points from which to work.

On the morning of the event, the organisation “upgraded” media seats to VIP status, but this simply meant access to the VIP bar and stage area.

While appreciated, it did not improve our ability to carry out our core responsibility: covering the event and filing on site while working against looming deadlines.

Nonetheless, the show must go on, and you make a plan. Knowing the fans were able to whet their appetite was comforting, especially as the event delivered eight finishes and five decisions, including four championship bouts.

In the main event, Diego Bandu proved to be levels above Luke Michael, dethroning him in convincing fashion. The DRC star took his time dismantling the then-champion, who had plenty to say in the build-up but nothing to back it up once the cage door closed.

It seemed Bandu had several opportunities to stop the fight earlier, but one got the sense he wanted to teach the Performance Institute spearhead a lesson in humility and what it means to be a champion, especially after Michael taunted him from Media Day through to fight night.

In round one, a patient and stoic Bandu picked his shots, mixing well-timed teeps and uppercuts to neutralise Michael, who is known for his grappling and takedowns.

Bandu controlled the Hexagon with intelligent movement, frustrating Michael, who had little to offer on the feet against the contender, backed by his experienced corner, including Morne Visser and Stephan de la Rey.

The defending champion eventually committed to his bread-and-butter wrestling, but the defining moment of the round came when Bandu sprawled beautifully before delivering a thunderous right hand that rocked the middleweight champion, setting the tone for the rest of the fight.

The DRC athlete grew in confidence and found his rhythm in round two, with the crowd firmly behind him. This included his training partner and KNOX Hydrate co-owner, Dricus du Plessis, who also played a significant role in making the event possible.

Bandu showcased poise, timing, and composure, landing debilitating jabs and straight rights. Each punch pierced Michael’s armour, as cracks began to show and his cardio visibly faded. His heavy breathing and body language suggested a fighter searching for answers.

In another Hail Mary attempt, Michael, realising he had little success on the feet, shot for another takedown to implement the mauling game plan he had promised would produce “10-8 rounds.”

However, it had no effect. The Pretoria-based star shrugged it off with another well-timed sprawl before increasing the pace with jabs and flying knees. Near the end of round two, Bandu added insult to injury, executing a well-timed takedown of his own and gaining top control in a moment that felt like the beginning of the end. He began raining down punches and elbows on the champion, who desperately tried to defend.

Still, Bandu remained patient, almost as if he wanted to prolong the lesson.

Cue round three, and it was clear Bandu and his corner had decided it was time to finish the job. He increased the pressure, mixing jabs, body shots, and a devastating uppercut that dropped Michael.

From there, the end was inevitable.

Bandu followed up with vicious elbows as Michael looked for a way out. Crushing knees to the ribs and body followed, forcing the referee to step in and stop the contest.

Diego Bandu was crowned the new EFC Middleweight Champion of the World.

In the co-main event, EFC Bantamweight champion Faeez Jacobs defeated Australia’s Trent Girdham via TKO (strikes) before teasing his ambition to become a double champion. Jacobs hinted at a move up to featherweight as he continues pushing to open bigger opportunities and build an already exciting legacy.

Official EFC 131: KNOX Legacy Series results.

• Diego Bandu def. Luke Michael via TKO (Strikes) – Round 3, 2:57 – NEW EFC

Middleweight Champion

• Faeez Jacobs def. Trent Thomas Girdham via TKO (Strikes) – Round 3, 3:36 – STILL EFC

Bantamweight Champion

• Adrian Sanchez def. Jeferson Pereira via Unanimous Decision – 5 rounds – NEW EFC

Interim Lightweight Champion

• Tumelo Manyamala def. Ntando Zondi via Split Decision – 5 rounds – NEW EFC

Flyweight Champion

• Terence Balelo def. Kleberson Sousa via Unanimous Decision – 3 rounds

• Terrence Born def. Christophe Walravens via TKO (Strikes) – Round 1, 0:44

• Khulekani Hlongwa def. Jaden van der Merwe via TKO (Strikes) – Round 1, 1:33

• Emmanuel Sita def. Glody Kanzeko via TKO (Strikes) – Round 1, 0:30

• Steven Goncalves def. Roberto Miyaba via Tapout (Rear Naked Choke) – Round 1, 3:53

• Yaseen Adams def. Bruce Mayasi via Unanimous Decision – 3 rounds

• Alex Suzuki def. Kabongo Peter Mulumba via Tapout (Guillotine Choke) – Round 2,

1:14

• Sisa Jungula def. Coenie Lamprecht via Split Decision – 3 rounds

• Jason Mackay def. Philani Mbuyazi via Knockout – Round 1, 2:53

BONUS AWARDS

Fight of the Night:

Kleberson Sousa vs Terence Balelo

Performancex of the Night

Jason Mackay

Jaden van der Merwe

Terrence Born

Adrian Sanchez

Diego Bandu

Additional Performance Recognition

Jeferson Pereira