‘Champion’ Dalcha is EFC double champion

An incredible chapter was written in the history of the EFC organization when the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Dalcha ‘Champion’ Lungiambula (9 – 1) did what had been believed impossible, and downed the EFC heavyweight champion, Andrew Van Zyl (19 – 4), who carried a near 45 pound advantage. In the night’s co-main event, celebrated striker and ruthless EFC flyweight champion, Nkazimulo Zulu (9-2-1) defeated Brazil’s Magno Alves (4-8) to retain his title.

The tension was unbearable as the self-proclaimed ‘Wakanda Warrior’, light heavyweight champion Champion Dalcha, entered the Hexagon to deafening cheers from his Congolese faithful. Moments later, the other half of the auditorium screamed their support when the legendary Van Zyl entered the arena.

Dalcha was facing the impossible, a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and seasoned heavyweight champion 45 pounds heavier, but he wasted no time in pursuit of victory.

The first round saw Dalcha unleashing creative punch combinations that continually landed on what is still Van Zyl’s granite jaw, bloodying the champion and landing a sensational Drop Ogoshi.

Going into Round 2, Dalcha continued to show that his lighter weight and speed was in fact a devastating weapon, and that he had the Judo skill and ground technique to frustrate Van Zyl’s classic top control and ground and pound technique.

The behemoths traded massive blows that Dalcha certainly got the better of. A frustrated Van Zyl landed a souplesse, but was unable to capitalize, and went into the second break seemingly two rounds behind.

The pattern continued throughout – Dalcha smashing an impassive Van Zyl jaw with thunderous strikes, a takedown from either translating to Dalcha in Van Zyl’s guard with both trading short elbows, and Dalcha ahead.

It was in the fifth that Van Zyl changed from his infamous ‘One Gear’. No doubt knowing a finish was his only chance at victory, he hunted a circling Dalcha relentlessly, finally landing smashing short range strikes, but it was too little, too late.

The exhausted warriors were caught by the final buzzer. Dalcha took an immense double title by split decision – one that most would instead see as unanimous for the Congo’s hero.

Dalcha becomes the EFC organization’s third double champion – after Dricus Du Plessis and Amanda Lino, and now stands at the very top of the roster of champions, ready to take on the world.

EFC flyweight champion Nkazimulo Zulu entered the hexagon to roars from his home crowd; Brazil’s Magno Alves waiting to face him on just a week’s notice. Zulu carries a deadly reputation, acknowledged as one of the world’s great strikers with a string of brutal KOs behind him.

Alves stunned all with a quick takedown and a succession of heel hook and kneebar attempts. A dead quiet crowd watched Zulu defend one after the other. Alves could not finish, and as soon as Zulu had both feet free he set about landing ferocious punches from top position, forcing referee Brad Bloch to dive between them 4:18 into Round 1.

Zulu has sent two previous opponents straight to hospital, and it seemed he had done so again, until an unsteady Alves finally regained his feet.

Performance bonuses were awarded to Rocky Illunga and Marcel Els. Additional bonuses went to Warren King, TC Khusu, and Mark Kamba. Fight of the Night was awarded to Pietie Coxen vs Conrad Seabi.

Official EFC 71 results:
Champion Dalcha took the EFC heavyweight title by defeating Andrew Van Zyl via split decision, becoming both the light heavyweight and heavyweight champion.
Nkazimulo Zulu defended his EFC flyweight title against Magno Alves via TKO (strikes) 4:18 into round 1.
Luthando Biko defeated Steven Goncalves via split decision.
Cedric Doyle defeated Trezegut Kanyinda via TKO (strikes) 3:46 into the third round.
Conrad Seabi defeated Pietie Coxen via split decision.
Sindile Manengela defeated Anicet Kanyeba via tapout (Rear Naked Choke) 3:44 into round 1.
Billy Oosthuizen defeated Jasen Van Der Merwe via TKO (strikes) 0:34 into round 1.
Warren King defeated TC Khusu via tapout (Heelhook) 2:42 into round 2.
Marcel Els defeated Rocky Ilunga via tapout (Rear Naked Choke) 1:27 into round 2.
Mark Kamba defeated Elvis Ngwalangwala via KO 0:42 into round 1.
Fafa Dwama defeated Asiashu Tshitamba via unanimous decision.
Mutuale Basambombo defeated Hein Pavier via KO 1:48 into round 1.

All eyes now turn to EFC 72: Van Staden vs Mazany, presented by Betxchange.com, which takes place on Saturday 11 August live from GrandWest, Cape Town. The five main card bouts will be broadcast live on Kwesé Free Sports 1 (Kenya & Rwanda), Kwese TV (Sub-Saharan Africa) and live in South Africa on SABC 3 starting at 21:30 (CAT). Full broadcast details available on efcworldwide.com. Prelim fights will be available for free on the official EFC Facebook page.

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