EFC 135 takes place at the WSB EFC Arena in Sandton on Thursday the 2nd of July with the EFC Bantamweight Championship on the line as Faeez Jacobs faces Gift Walker. We take a closer look at the Main Event as well as two additional fights on the Main Card from a betting perspective below.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
FAEEZ JACOBS vs GIFT WALKER
EFC Bantamweight Championship Fight – Main Event:
Faeez Jacobs enters this headline bout holding an EFC record of 12 wins and 4 losses. The South African champion has established himself as one of the promotion’s most accomplished bantamweights, earning victories by knockout, submission and decision across a lengthy EFC career.
He last fought in February 2026 where he picked up a TKO victory over Trent Girdham in the third round while prior to that he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Mehemmedeli Osmanli outside of the promotion. Notably before this he was on a four fight winning streak within the EFC against solid opposition.
Gift Walker comes into this title fight with an EFC tally of 8 wins and 1 loss. The South African contender has enjoyed an outstanding rise through the bantamweight ranks and has built a reputation as one of the promotion’s most dangerous submission specialists.
His latest EFC appearance came in April 2026 where he submitted Eduardo Barros in the second round after previously earning victories over Sibusiso Sovendle and Moses Mokhari. His only defeat inside the promotion came against Nkazimulo Zulu in 2024 but he has bounced back strongly with three consecutive EFC victories thereafter.
BETTING – click here to bet
Jacobs 1.35
Walker 2.90
PREDICTION:
Jacobs brings a wealth of championship experience and has consistently competed against elite opposition throughout his EFC career. Walker is in outstanding form and possesses a dangerous submission game but this represents his toughest assignment to date. I expect Jacobs to use his experience, striking and composure to edge a competitive contest and retain his title by decision.
EMMANUEL SITA vs KHANYO MAQAM
Lightweight – Co-Main Event:
Emmanuel Sita enters this contest with an EFC record of 5 wins and 4 losses. The experienced lightweight has produced several explosive performances inside the promotion, with four of his victories coming by knockout.
His latest appearance came in February 2026 where he stopped Glody Kanzeko inside thirty seconds after previously recording first-round knockout victories over Guelor Sondi and Marcel Els. Prior to that winning streak he suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Ayanda Zwane and had been knocked out by Billy Oosthuizen.
Khanyo Maqam comes into this bout with only his debut fight behind him. The South African prospect enjoyed a successful promotional debut in June 2026 when he stopped Vince Bembe by third-round TKO after previously competing outside the promotion.
Although his EFC experience remains limited, he has shown impressive finishing ability and carries confidence into this contest following his breakthrough victory on the biggest stage of his career.
BETTING – click here to bet
Sita 2.40
Maqam 1.50
PREDICTION:
Sita’s experience advantage inside the EFC is difficult to overlook and he has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to finish opponents early. Maqam is improving rapidly and enters with momentum but this is another significant step up in competition. I expect Sita to land the cleaner strikes and secure a stoppage victory early on.
JADEN VAN DER MERWE vs JOSIAH OBASI
Light Heavyweight – Main Card Bout:
Jaden Van Der Merwe enters the cage with an EFC record of 3 wins and 1 loss. The South African has enjoyed an impressive start to his career and has already showcased knockout power as well as submission ability inside the institution.
His latest outing came in February 2026 where he defeated Khulekani Hlongwa by first-round TKO after previously stopping Willem Smith in similar fashion. His only EFC defeat came against Mark Kamba in March 2025.
Josiah Obasi makes his EFC debut after compiling an unbeaten professional record outside of the promotion. He arrives with three victories from three professional contests, including back-to-back stoppage wins before earning a unanimous decision in his most recent appearance.
Although he enters the organisation with confidence, this represents a major step up against an opponent who already has proven success inside the EFC cage. His last fight came in March 2026 where he beat Joel Tiffo by decision under the Versus organisation.
BETTING – click here to bet
Van Der Merwe 2.05
Obasi 1.70
PREDICTION:
Van Der Merwe’s EFC experience should prove valuable and he has already faced a higher standard of opposition under the EFC banner. Obasi is unbeaten and clearly talented but making a successful promotional debut against an established contender is never straightforward. I expect Van Der Merwe to control the exchanges and land the brutal blow in the first couple of rounds.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Jacobs vs Walker
Jacobs by Decision or Technical Decision at 4.00
Sita vs Maqam
Sita by KO/TKO, DQ or Submission at 3.50
Van Der Merwe vs Obasi
Van Der Merwe to win at 2.05
The Treble of all 3 of my bets to land works out at over 27/1 and you can use this code if you want to follow 8051199
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
