Its time to fight!

All systems are go for EFC AFRICA 13 at the GrandWest Grand Arena tomorrow night! All 26 athletes made weight at the GrandWest Market Hall on 12 April amid intense stare-downs. Cape Town’s first EFC AFRICA weigh-in attracted a large crowd of animated fight fans. Cheers for Cape Town’s local favourites and popular out-of-towners filled the hall as MMA athletes took the stage for the public weigh-in.

Former heavyweights Norman Wessels and Dain Neveling were in tip top shape for their first cut to light heavy. Neveling planted a kiss on Wessels as he leaned in close, prompting a clash of heads and a brief shoving match. Both athletes were fuming as they left the stage, undoubtedly increasing the chance of a knockout when they step into the cage tomorrow night.

At featherweight, ‘King’ Leo Gloss and Abdul ‘Hollywood’ Hassan had fire in their eyes as they locked stares after making weight. Power punching Gloss and submission specialist Hassan left no doubts that will both be seeking to inflict pain in their bout.

Bernardo Mikixi looked incredibly fired up as he strode onto the stage showing off a peroxided beard. The Black Panther didn’t even bother to take off his shoes and weighed in at 104kg. His opponent, Calven ‘The Butcher’ Robinson, came in at 115kg, all muscle. Neither gave an inch in the face-off and fans are hoping that both are as confrontational in the hexagon.

Brazilian-born Cape resident Jadyson ‘Little Wanderlei’ Costa was his usual flamboyant self, looking incredibly cool and calm just hours before his welterweight title challenge. “I’m excited! Sorry, my English is finished, but the belt will be mine,” said the grappling mastermind. Defending champion Dallas Jakobi made weight comfortably and responded to Costa’s challenge: “I haven’t let go of the belt since I got it and I’m not going to! It’s coming back with me to Durban. For this fight I haven’t changed too much in terms of preparation; it’s been the usual blood, sweat and tears and I’ve definitely done enough to remain champion.”

Weigh-in results

Bout 1:

Alain Ilunga 70.5kg

Johan van Staden 69.2kg

Bout 2:

Mahmoud Salama 88.5kg

Jason Culverwell 88.5kg

Bout 3:

Michael Vermeulen 106kg

Morne Marais 102.5kg

Bout 4:

Leo Gloss 66kg

Abdul Hassan 66kg

Bout 5:

Armand de Bruyn 83.7kg

Abrie Valentine 83.5kg

Bout 6:

Ricky Misholas 101kg

Mahmoud Hassn 106kg

Bout 7:

Wade Henderson 83.7kg

James Le Roux 82.6kg

Bout 8:

Norman Wessels 92kg

Dain Neveling 92kg

Bout 9:

Dino Bagattin 77.5kg

Francois Kabulu 77.3kg

Bout 10:

Martin van Staden 76.4kg

Michiel Opperman 77.2kg

Bout 11:

Don Madge 69.6kg

Leon Mynhardt 69.1kg

Bout 12:

Bernardo Mikixi 104kg

Calven Robinson 115kg

Bout 13 - welterweight championship bout:

Jadyson Costa 77kg

Dallas Jakobi 76.6kg (current champion)

EFC AFRICA 13 takes place at the GrandWest Grand Arena on 13 April. Tickets on sale now at Computicket www.computicket.com and tickets for the live broadcast to Nu Metro Cinemas available at www.numetro.co.za More information available at efcafrica.com