EFC returns to the Grand Arena in Cape Town for the first time in seven years with EFC 131 – KNOX Legacy Series, a landmark event staged in partnership with Dricus du Plessis’ KNOX brand and the City of Cape Town. With a sold-out arena and four championship bouts on the card, the promotion delivers a true showcase event in a City hungry for action.
For local champions such as Luke Michael and Faeez Jacobs, this event represents a long-awaited homecoming and a chance to defend their belts in front of a passionate Cape Town crowd. The scale, atmosphere and historical significance of the Grand Arena having been EFC’s original flagship venue should ensure that this is a night to remember.
We break down all four championship fights from a betting perspective, with particular focus on the middleweight title clash headlining the card.
Click here to bet on the full card
EFC MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (185 lb / 83.9 kg)
LUKE MICHAEL vs DIEGO BANDU
This is the marquee bout of the evening emotions were already running high at the weigh in.
Luke “Young Gun” Michael enters EFC 131 as the reigning middleweight champion and one of South Africa’s most technically complete MMA athletes. Calm, methodical and highly disciplined, Michael is known for his strong wrestling base, excellent positional control and steadily improving striking. He rarely beats himself, managing fights intelligently and forcing opponents to operate at his pace.
Diego “Pangaman” Bandu presents a dangerous and well-rounded challenge. Physically strong and durable, Bandu is capable of matching Michael in key grappling exchanges while also posing a threat on the feet. His path to victory likely involves pressure, physicality and making the fight uncomfortable for the champion from start to finish.
What makes this contest particularly compelling is the even pricing. Bandu is no push-over, but Michael’s experience in championship rounds, his composure under pressure and the energy of a home crowd are significant factors. Over five rounds, fight IQ and efficiency often outweigh explosiveness.
OUTRIGHT ODDS – click here to bet
Luke Michael 1.90
Diego Bandu 1.90
PREDICTION:
In a closely matched title fight, Luke Michael’s control, decision-making and championship experience should prove decisive. Expect a measured performance rather than a firefight.
Pick: Luke Michael by Decision or Technical Decision at 2.50
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EFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (135 lb / 61.2 kg)
FAEEZ JACOBS vs TRENT GIRDHAM
Faeez Jacobs returns to Cape Town as one of the card’s strongest favourites, and for good reason. The reigning bantamweight champion has built a reputation for relentless pressure, strong wrestling transitions and an ability to dictate where the fight takes place.
Trent Girdham enters as the underdog and will need to produce something special to dethrone the champion. While dangerous in moments, he faces a steep challenge against Jacobs’ pace, physicality and experience in five-round title fights.
Jacobs’ ability to chain takedowns, control scrambles and grind opponents down makes him extremely difficult to beat over championship distance.
OUTRIGHT ODDS – Click here to bet
Faeez Jacobs 1.35
Trent Girdham 3.20
PREDICTION:
Jacobs should be able to impose his style early and maintain control throughout.
Pick: Faeez Jacobs by Decision or Technical Decision at 5.50
EFC INTERIM LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (155 lb / 70.3 kg)
ADRIAN SANCHEZ vs JEFERSON PEREIRA
This interim lightweight title bout pits two highly skilled and well-matched fighters against one another. Adrian Sanchez enters as a slight favourite thanks to his well-rounded skill set, solid striking fundamentals and ability to fight effectively at range.
Jeferson Pereira, however, is dangerous across multiple phases of the fight and possesses the aggression and power to swing momentum quickly. His ability to close distance and force exchanges could trouble Sanchez if allowed to dictate tempo.
This feels like a fight that may hinge on discipline and composure rather than raw talent.
OUTRIGHT ODDS – click here to bet
Adrian Sanchez 1.53
Jeferson Pereira 2.50
PREDICTION:
Sanchez’s cleaner striking and control should be enough to edge a competitive bout.
Pick: Adrian Sanchez by Decision or Technical Decision at 5.00
FLYWEIGHT GRAND PRIX FINAL (125 lb / 56.7 kg)
TUMELO MANYAMALA vs NTANDO ZONDI
The Flyweight Grand Prix Final closes out our preview, with Tumelo Manyamala entering as the favourite. His speed, movement and technical striking have stood out throughout his career, and he has shown the ability to manage high-pressure moments well.
Ntando Zondi is a tough and dangerous opponent with a big heart and a willingness to engage. To win here, he’ll likely need to disrupt Manyamala’s rhythm and force extended exchanges.
OUTRIGHT ODDS
Tumelo Manyamala 1.40
Ntando Zondi 2.90
PREDICTION:
Manyamala’s speed and technical edge should be decisive over the distance.
Pick: Fight to go the Distance YES at 2.80
Selected Bets – Championship Bouts
- Luke Michael vs Diego Bandu
Luke Michael by Decision or Technical Decision @ 2.50 - Faeez Jacobs vs Trent Girdham
Faeez Jacobs by Decision or Technical Decision @ 5.50 - Adrian Sanchez vs Jeferson Pereira
Adrian Sanchez by Decision or Technical Decision @ 5.00 - Tumelo Manyamala vs Ntando Zondi
Fight to Go the Distance – Yes @ 2.80
All-to-Come: All Four Bets to Land
Combined Odds: 192.50
I am throwing some beer money at this one.
All-to-Come: All Four Fighters to Win (Outright)
- Luke Michael @ 1.90
- Faeez Jacobs @ 1.35
- Adrian Sanchez @ 1.53
- Tumelo Manyamala @ 1.40
Combined Odds: 5.49
This accumulator represents a more conservative approach but remains aligned with my pre-fight reads.
Price Disclaimer:
All odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change. Please check the latest prices before placing any bets.
