What is EFC? Everything you need to know about Africa's biggest MMA promotion

Founded in South Africa, the promotion has helped launch the careers of numerous fighters who have gone on to compete on the global stage, while building a reputation for competitive matchmaking, championship fights and a strong roster of athletes from across the continent.

For fans discovering MMA beyond the UFC, EFC offers a chance to watch many of Africa's best fighters before they become international stars.

Here's everything you need to know about Extreme Fighting Championship.

What is the Extreme Fighting Championship?

Extreme Fighting Championship, commonly known as EFC, is a professional mixed martial arts promotion based in South Africa.

Founded in 2009, the organisation has grown into Africa's leading MMA promotion and regularly hosts events featuring fighters from across the continent.

EFC stages championship bouts across multiple weight divisions and has established itself as a key pathway for fighters looking to progress to larger international organisations.

Today, it remains one of the most respected regional MMA promotions in the world.

What dees EFC stand for?

EFC stands for Extreme Fighting Championship. The promotion originally operated under the name EFC Africa before later simplifying its branding to EFC as its international profile continued to grow.

Although headquartered in South Africa, EFC now features athletes from across Africa and beyond.

Is EFC the African version of the UFC?

While EFC is not affiliated with the UFC, many fans view it as Africa's closest equivalent to the world's biggest MMA promotion. Like the UFC, EFC promotes championship fights across multiple weight classes, ranks fighters within divisions and showcases athletes from a variety of martial arts backgrounds.

The key difference is scale. The UFC operates globally and features many of the sport's biggest stars, while EFC focuses on developing talent and providing opportunities for fighters from Africa and emerging MMA markets.

For many athletes, EFC represents a stepping stone to larger international organisations.

What are the rules of EFC?

EFC uses the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts, the same ruleset used by the UFC. Fighters can utilise techniques from a wide range of disciplines, including boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Like UFC fights, most EFC contests are scheduled for three five-minute rounds, while championship fights are contested over five five-minute rounds.

Athletes can win by:

• Knockout
• Technical knockout
• Submission
• Judges' decision

The promotion also uses a cage, weight classes and judging criteria that will be familiar to UFC fans, making it easy for viewers to follow the action regardless of whether they are watching EFC or the UFC.

How is EFC different from the UFC?

The biggest difference between EFC and the UFC is the role each promotion plays within the sport. The UFC is the largest MMA organisation in the world and features many of the sport's biggest stars competing for global titles.

EFC, meanwhile, serves as a development platform and showcase for African MMA talent. Fighters often build their reputations in EFC before attracting attention from larger international promotions.

The promotion also places a greater focus on athletes from Africa, helping to grow the sport across the continent while providing opportunities for local fighters to compete at a high level.

Have any EFC Fighters ever fought in the UFC?

EFC has featured many of the most successful fighters in African MMA history.

The most famous name to emerge from the promotion is Dricus du Plessis, who won EFC titles before signing with the UFC and eventually becoming UFC Middleweight Champion.

Other notable fighters to compete in EFC include Dalcha Lungiambula, Martin van Staden, Boyd Allen and Garreth McLellan, all of whom helped establish the promotion's reputation as a breeding ground for elite talent.

Today, EFC continues to showcase many of Africa's leading MMA athletes as well as international competitors looking to establish themselves on the global stage.

Where can you watch EFC?

EFC is available to watch live and on demand on DAZN in selected territories worldwide, including Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and Latin America.

DAZN's coverage excludes Sub-Saharan Africa and Poland, where alternative broadcast arrangements may apply.

Fans can follow championship fights, contender bouts and the next generation of MMA talent as they compete in Africa's premier mixed martial arts promotion. Coverage includes live events, highlights and title fights throughout the season.

You can watch on the DAZN app, available on smart TVs, mobile phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.

If you do not already have a DAZN account, getting started is simple:

• Download the free DAZN app from your device's app store, or visit DAZN.com on your computer.
• Select Sign Up or Log In.
• Create an account using your email address, or sign in with Apple, Google or Facebook.
• Once registered, you'll have access to DAZN's free content and live events that are available in your region.
• Search for the Extreme Fighting Championship and start watching.