05-05-2025
Star-studded EFC 123 card features international matchups
When JC Lamprecht added his name to the list of legends at EFC 106 by taking a third-round tap from fellow veteran Mzwandile Hlongwa, it was the start of a career typified by sacrifice and warfare stretching back 13 years.
His very last defeat in that timeline was to current teammate and sparring partner Dricus du Plessis, but since then Lamprecht remained undefeated upon the path to the belt which he will defend for the very first time at the World Sports Betting Arena on May 8, in Paulshof.
But his preparations have now been marred by his opponent pulling out of the bout due to illness, handing the incredible opportunity of a title contender to one of central Brazil's best mixed-martial artists, Édson 'The Gladiator' Silva.
Also read: Bomber knocks out Anthony Morel for EFC Heavyweight gold
After turning pro relatively recently in 2021, Silva has notched up 10 high-level performances, winning several belts and competing six times in the highly-respected Jungle Fight, the home promotion of UFC stars such as Johnnie Walker, Renato Moicano and Erick Silva.
A jiu-jitsu specialist, training with Paulistenio Rocha in Rio Verde, and blessed with a mean right hand that has felled several opponents, Silva will feel right at home with the Jozi altitude, considering he lives in the highlands of the Goiás plateau in central Brazil.
He now slots straight into the main event for the third title fight of his career against the tactical powerhouse that is Lamprecht, who has yet to go the distance in his entire professional career.
Also read: EFC Contender Series season 2 concludes with thrilling fights and rising stars
With 12 bouts in total, the numeric lodestone event of EFC 123 is set to be one of the biggest events in African combat sports this year, with those three intercontinental title fights and that stacked card in its entirety below:
Main Card
LHW Title Bout – JC Lamprecht vs Édson Silva
Vacant WFLW Title – Bout Amanda Lino vs Mariana Salles
Vacant FLW Title Bout – Willie van Rooyen vs Kleberson Sousa
Flyweight Bout – Terence Balelo vs Marcio Oliveira
Welterweight Bout – Peace Nguphane vs Jaco du Plessis
Read more: EFC fighter's championship dreams put on hold after stunning loss to 'The Kid'
Preliminary Card
Bantamweight Bout – Moses Mokhari vs Gift Walker
Featherweight – Bout Mpho Hloka vs Francis Martin
Catchweight Bout – Zhane Tannous vs Mark Kamba
Lightweight Bout – Marcel Els vs Emmanuel Sita
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