EFC 124 lit up the World Sports Betting Arena on Thursday night with 13 explosive bouts that delivered brutal finishes, razor-thin decisions, and a statement-making title defence.
In the welterweight championship main event, Zaakir Badat wasted no time dispatching Nigerian challenger Segun Ogunnoki, securing a rear-naked choke submission at 3:47 of the first round to retain his title and his unbeaten EFC streak.
Welterweight Championship Main Event
South Africa’s Zaakir Badat once again showed why he’s the king of the 170 lb division, dominating Segun “Machinegun Shegz” Ogunnoki in a clinical display. After an early exchange, Badat took control, transitioned to the back, and locked in a tight rear-naked choke, forcing the tap before the first round could close. It was a high-stakes bout that delivered on its promise of speed, power, and technical excellence.
South Africa’s Zaakir Badat 🇿🇦 once again showed why he’s the king of the 170 lb division, dispatching Nigeria’s Segun Ogunnoki 🇳🇬 in the first round 👑🔥#EFC124 #AfroBallers pic.twitter.com/Y0Q8rfNhhn
— AfroBallers (@afroballers) June 6, 2025
Co-Main Event – Bantamweight Division
Tensions had flared at the weigh-ins, and the fight between Thimna Mhlauli and Sibusiso Sovendle lived up to the hype. Over three intense rounds, Mhlauli remained composed under pressure and executed a smart game plan to earn a unanimous decision victory. With this win, the undefeated rising star continues his march toward title contention.
Featherweight Main Card Clash
The bad blood between Chadrack Yemba and Steven Goncalves erupted into a fiery contest that ended in dramatic fashion. Yemba, maintaining his undefeated record, submitted the veteran Goncalves with a rear-naked choke at 4:18 of round two. The battle was later awarded Fight of the Night honors.
Lightweight Firefight
In one of the night’s biggest upsets, Angola’s Osvaldo Benedito stunned the previously unbeaten Kevin Pretorius with a lightning-fast guillotine choke, ending the bout just 27 seconds into round one. The victory earned Benedito a Performance Bonus and put him firmly back in the mix as a top contender.
Flyweight Main Card Bout
Lihle “Rush Hour” Ngamntwini continued his win streak with a well-earned unanimous decision over Kelvin Smit. The three-round affair showcased high-paced striking and grappling exchanges, with Ngamntwini edging out the key moments to take the nod from the judges—and a Performance Bonus.
Full EFC 124 Results
Welterweight Championship Main Event
• Zaakir Badat def. Segun Ogunnoki via submission (RNC) – Round 1, 3:47
Co-Main Event – Bantamweight Bout
• Thimna Mhlauli def. Sibusiso Sovendle via unanimous decision (3 rounds)
Featherweight Bout
• Chadrack Yemba def. Steven Goncalves via submission (RNC) – Round 2, 4:18
Lightweight Bout
• Osvaldo Benedito def. Kevin Pretorius via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 0:27
Flyweight Bout
• Lihle Ngamntwini def. Kelvin Smit via unanimous decision (3 rounds)
Preliminary Card
• Ntando Zondi def. Godknows Ndlovu via unanimous decision
• Vince Bembe def. Musa Sethwape via unanimous decision
• Lucky Bosco vs. Yaseen Adams ended in a unanimous draw
• Sisa Jungula def. Teboho Ntene via KO (punch) – Round 2, 0:11
• Dauda Rajabu def. Mfanafuthi Ngobese via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 1:55
• Mlungisi Mbizane def. Vincent Nakana via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:16
• Coenie Lamprecht def. Thapelo Seabi via submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 2:20
• Brandon Santos def. Siyanda Vilakazi via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 2:30
Performance Bonuses
• Fight of the Night: Chadrack Yemba vs. Steven Goncalves
• Performance Bonuses: Brandon Santos, Sisa Jungula, Osvaldo Benedito, Lihle Ngamntwini, Dauda “Bondi” Rajabu
