The final EFC weigh-ins of 2024 hit an intense crescendo at the World Sports Betting EFC Arena, where 20 athletes made their way to the scales. 

The atmosphere in the World Sports Betting Arena was electric with EFC 120 primed to be a showstopper, headlined by two high-stakes title fights that have fans eagerly counting down the hours. As the year’s final event, this card features a mix of long-standing champions and hungry contenders all vying for glory, setting the stage for a night that will leave no one disappointed. 

Middleweight champion Luke Michael is looking to make history as he steps down to challenge reigning Welterweight Champion Zaakir Badat. Michael, a relentless and dynamic striker, looked fired up and his intense stare-down with Badat was impossible to ignore. The Young Gun appeared laser-focused, while the champion Badat kept his composure, exuding respect and sportsmanship despite the rising tension. Badat’s calm demeanour, contrasted with Michael’s fiery determination, and makes for a fascinating buildup to their showdown in the Hex. Both athletes have the skills, but only one will walk away with the welterweight belt. 

The second title fight of the night features Igeu Kabesa, the EFC’s current double champion, as he puts his lightweight title on the line against former training partner Martin Van Staden. Kabesa, known for his elite grappling, dominant wrestling, and near-unstoppable pace, will face the well-rounded and gritty Van Staden, who recently made his long awaited return to the promotion after a long absence. 

Kabesa looked cool and composed at the scale, while Van Staden, visibly pumped, was ready to face his former teammate-turned-rival. Despite their friendly past, tomorrow night’s bout will be anything but cordial. Kabesa’s legacy is on the line, while Van Staden is out to prove that he can still hang with the best after his time away from the promotion. This fight promises to be an absolute banger, with both men knowing each other’s weaknesses inside and out. It’s a true clash of styles, with Kabesa’s elite ground game pitted against Van Staden’s striking and experience. Don’t be surprised if this bout becomes a Fight of the Night contender. 

The long-awaited clash between Musa “Bad News” 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. Adding fuel to the fire, Setwape was dubbed “Sad News” by Van Tonder at the press conference on Monday, which has only made the rivalry more personal. Setwape, who has been training relentlessly with his new gym Infinity MMA, is determined to prove a point. Meanwhile, Van Tonder is out to silence his critics and reclaim his spot among the top contenders. This bout promises fireworks from start to finish, with personal vendettas adding extra spice to what is already a must-watch matchup. 

While the main card is stacked, don’t sleep on the prelims, which are loaded with talent and sure to set the tone for the entire night. With a nearly all-South African line-up, the early bouts will feature well-known names eager to make a statement in their final appearances of the year. Expect an exciting mix of striking, grappling, and unrelenting aggression as these athletes fight for their spot on future cards. From the opening bell to the final title fight, EFC 120 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cards of the season. The mix of established champions, hungry challengers, and intense rivalries is bound to deliver on every level, with the promise of some unforgettable moments. 

EFC 120 is not just another event—it's a culmination of a year’s worth of anticipation and action. Be sure to catch the action live or on broadcast—you won’t want to miss this! 

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 Prelim 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

Prelim bouts start at 16:00 CAT Main card bouts start at 19:00 CAT