DRC’s champion dominates, Potts suffers light-heavy debut defeat
Capetonians were treated to a barrage of tough-as-nails mixed martial arts, at the GrandWest Grand Arena, on Wednesday night, November 10.
The night, however, was not a good one for Boksburg fighter Ruan Potts, who was involved in a fight against the punching phenomenon Tumelo Maphutha for a chance to become the number one lightweight contender.
Before the night, four athletes were in the running to earn a shot at notorious champion Norman
‘Chef’ Wessels, including Potts.
The clash lived up to his name with Maphutha launching hard, technical striking against former heavyweight champion Potts, who entered the light heavyweight division for the first time.
Maphutha picked Potts apart with precise counter punches, earning himself a decision victory.
Maphutha’s careful style has been criticised as tedious, but he continues to rack up the wins.
The night was headlined by another two fighters who were part of the race to the EFC light heavyweight title.
It was a hotly anticipated clash between former light heavyweight champion and the powerhouse from the Congo, Champion Dalcha, who took on Gideon Droschie.
Drotschie and Dalcha entered their bout as even favourites, a prediction proved right in the first two action packed rounds.
Drotschie managed to counteract Dalcha’s immense power with careful strategy, opting to alternately grapple Dalcha or weaken him with kicks from the outside.
A deep cut to the forehead sapped his will, however, and Dalcha pounced with a trademark blistering takedown and savage ground and pound, prompting Drotschie to verbally submit in the fourth round.
EFC 45 Results:
Conrad Seabi defeated Robert Simbowe via unanimous decision.
Francois Groenewald defeated Martin de Beer via Rear Naked Choke 3:11 into round 1.
Kaleka Kabanda defeated Luke Michael via verbal submission in round 2.
Cameron Pritchard vs. Francois Kabulu was ruled a no contest.
Gary Smit defeated Ivan Strydom via TKO 1:32 into round 1.
Shana Power defeated Kirsty Davis via TKO in 1:45 in round 1.
Danie van Heerden defeated Knife Didier via TKO 3:32 in round 1.
Joe Cummins defeated Bruno Mukulu via unanimous decision.
Yannick Bahati defeated Warren Allison via Keylock 3:07 into round 1.
Tumelo Maphutha defeated Ruan Potts via unanimous decision.
Brendon Groenewald defeated Tomasz Kowalkowski via Triangle 2:37 into round 1.
Champion Dalcha defeated Gideon Drotschie via verbal submission 1:10 in round 4. – @SabeloBoksburg
