On Saturday, Aug. 30, EFC Africa hosted its 33rd event from the Durban International Convention Centre in Durban, South Africa.
In the night’s main event, the promotion’s middleweight title was on the line as two-time champion Garreth McLellan clashed with Dricus du Plessis.
McLellan first captured gold at EFC Africa 8 with a fourth-round submission win over Jacques Joubert, but dropped the belt in the same manner in his first defense to Jeremy Smith. Three wins later he exacted revenge by submitting Smith in the first round via rear-naked choke. He most recently defeated JP Kruger at EFC Africa 28.
The 20-year-old du Plessis had opened his MMA career with four straight wins. The striking specialist had managed to score two submission wins to complement his two stoppages by strikes.
Also on the card, Martin van Staden took on the aforementioned Smith, but at welterweight. Both fighters looked to snap two-fight skids.
EFC Africa 33 aired live via online pay-per-view on the promotion’s website starting at 16:45 CAT. The main card followed at 20:00 CAT.
Martin van Staden def. Jeremy Smith by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 4:20
Donavin Hawkey def. Bernardo Mikixi by TKO (strikes). Round 3, 2:13
Michiel Opperman def. Armand de Bruyn by submission (guillotine choke). Round 2, 0:41
Wesley Hawkey def. Brendon Katz by submission (guillotine choke). Round 1, 2:37
Tyson Chelin def. Matthew Buirski by split decision
Gareth Sawyer def. Jason Culverwell by TKO (strikes). Round 1, 3:58
Saxon Delafield def. David van Schalkwyk by submission (triangle choke). Round 1, 2:29
Craig Ninow def. Baldwin Mdlalose by split decision
Luke Micheal def. Texier Kabesa by submission (triangle choke). Round 1, 4:23
Sizwe Mnikathi def. Bill Thusi by submission (armbar). Round 1, 3:54