MMA
What happened at EFC 135? The biggest results and talking points
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EFC 135 delivered far more than another night of mixed martial arts action in Johannesburg.
While champion Faeez Jacobs successfully defended his bantamweight title in the main event, the card also produced a host of standout performances that reshaped several divisions and set the stage for the months ahead.
From new title contenders emerging to rising stars announcing themselves on the biggest stage, here are the biggest talking points from EFC 135.
Faeez Jacobs proved why he remains the man to beat
The main event saw EFC Bantamweight Champion Faeez Jacobs defend his title against former flyweight champion Gift Walker in one of the toughest tests of his reign.
Walker applied relentless wrestling pressure throughout five competitive rounds, repeatedly asking questions of the champion that few opponents have managed before.
Jacobs, however, showed exactly why he sits atop the division.
Rather than dominating every exchange, he produced the decisive moments when they mattered most, landing sharp combinations, damaging elbows and timely reversals to secure a unanimous decision victory.
The performance ensured the bantamweight title remains around the waist of Jacobs, while Walker also strengthened his reputation by pushing the champion all the way over 25 minutes.
Moses Mokhari may have earned a title shot
No fighter enhanced his reputation more than Moses Mokhari.
Facing Bryn Gwavava, Mokhari spent much of the opening exchanges dealing with his opponent's clinch work before changing the fight instantly with one perfectly timed one-two combination.
The knockout victory immediately thrust Mokhari into the championship conversation.
With Jacobs still reigning as champion, EFC now appears to have another legitimate contender waiting in the wings after one of the night's most eye-catching finishes.
Khanyo Maqam continued his rapid rise
The lightweight division may also have discovered its next genuine title challenger.
South African prospect Khanyo Maqam produced a composed performance against experienced Congolese veteran Emmanuel Sita before finishing the contest with relentless ground-and-pound in the second round.
It was a performance that showcased patience, maturity and confidence beyond his years.
Afterwards, Maqam thanked teammate Demarte Pena before making his ambitions crystal clear.
"We're going to the top."
Whether a title opportunity arrives immediately or not, EFC 135 confirmed that Maqam has developed from exciting prospect into a legitimate lightweight contender.
Josiah Obasi strengthened his claim among the light heavyweights
Another fighter to leave Johannesburg with growing momentum was Nigeria's Josiah Obasi.
His split-decision victory over Jaden van der Merwe was one of the toughest contests on the card, requiring Obasi to battle through difficult striking exchanges before imposing his grappling when it mattered most.
The result reinforced his belief that he belongs among the elite of EFC's light heavyweight division and could earn him an even bigger opportunity in his next outing.
The women's divisions continue to grow
EFC 135 also highlighted the strength of the promotion's women's divisions. Charmaine Venter enjoyed an impressive promotional debut by stopping Nepal's Anisha Khadka in the opening round, while Nicole van Wyk produced one of the most memorable finishes of the evening, submitting Jessica Mouneimne with a guillotine choke with just two seconds remaining in the first round.
Their victories continue a trend that has become increasingly familiar in EFC.
Former champions Manon Fiorot and Alice Ardelean both used the promotion as a springboard to reach the UFC, and the performances of Venter and Van Wyk suggested another exciting generation of female talent is beginning to emerge.
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