EFC 131 | Michael and Bandu hit the mark: EFC 131 weigh-in results ahead of Cape Town homecoming

Tensions reached a boiling point during Tuesday’s EFC KNOX LEGACY Series weigh-ins at the Grand Arena. Pictured here is EFC Middleweight champion Luke Michael launching himself at Diego Bandu ahead of their much-anticipated main event fight on Thursday night in Goodwood. Photo: EFCWorldwide The inauguralEFC KNOX Legacy Serieswas officially confirmed on Wednesday as all 26 athletes stepped onto the scale ahead of the historic card taking place on Thursday at the Grand Arena.

The atmosphere was electric as fighters and fans congregated inside and outside Cape Town’s fighting coliseum, the Grand Arena — widely regarded as the fighting capital of the Mother City. For local athletes, including current EFC Bantamweight Champion Faeez Jacobs and Middleweight Champion Luke Michael, the event represents a long-awaited homecoming as they prepare to defend their titles in front of their home crowd. All 26 athletes are ready to deliver, while loyal and eager fans have done their part as well, with the organisation confirming a sold-out arena.

The full-capacity crowd reflects strong demand for EFC’s return to a large-scale Cape Town venue, despite concerns from some fans and fighters of various faiths about the timing during the holy month of Ramadan, when many Muslim athletes and supporters are fasting — particularly significant given Cape Town’s large Muslim MMA fan base. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, EFC centralised operations at its Johannesburg headquarters, hosting events at the World Sports Betting Arena. While that venue consistently sold out, its 550-seat capacity could not replicate the scale and atmosphere of the Grand Arena.

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The KNOX Legacy Series represents a deliberate effort to restore that major-event spectacle. The event will be broadcast live on SuperSport and SABC Sport.

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