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Cape Town - Dalcha Lungiambula and Nkazimulo Zulu were among the big winners at the EFC’s annual awards ceremony in Pretoria on Wednesday.
DR Congo-born Lungiambula was named the EFC Athlete of the Year after adding the heavyweight crown to his collection by defeating the now-retired Andrew van Zyl via split decision in June 2018. ‘Champion’ previously held the light heavyweight strap, but has since relinquished both titles following his signing by the UFC in the new year.
South Africa’s Zulu picked up the Fighters’ Choice accolade, having continued his violent reign at flyweight by finishing Brazilian Magno Alves and Gary Joshua in 2018, with the latter bout losing out to Amanda Lino versus Rizlen Zouak as the Fight of the Year.
Others victors on the night included Justin Smith (Freshman of the Year), Faeez Jacobs (Most Exciting Athlete of the Year) and Richard Quan (Coach of the Year).
“This was truly a remarkable evening for all involved,” stated EFC president Cairo Howarth. “It was a great honour to be able to officially recognise everyone’s hard work and devotion both in and outside the hexagon.
“A massive congratulations to all the winners, nominees and everyone involved. Here is to 2019 being our biggest and best year yet!”
The fighters received their gongs at Time Square, the same venue for EFC 77 on Saturday.
Award winners:
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR – Justin Smith
WALKOUT OF THE YEAR – Amisi Kabeya – EFC 73
REFEREE OF THE YEAR – Ferdinand Basson
EFC MEDIA SOURCE OF THE YEAR – MMA Republic
JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR – Simon Stephens
PHOTO OF THE YEAR – Roarke Bouffe
GYM OF THE YEAR – KO Fighting Fitness
COACH OF THE YEAR – Richard Quan
ATHLETE SPONSOR OF THE YEAR – A-Team Emergency Medical Services, a division of Ramessur Inc, who sponsor Amanda Lino
MOST DEDICATED ATHLETE AWARD – Pierre Botha
MOST EXCITING ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Faeez Jacobs
FIGHTERS’ CHOICE AWARD – Nkazimulo Zulu
SUBMISSION OF THE YEAR – Caleb Ridley submits August Kayambala via RNC – EFC 68
KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR – Mzwandile Hlongwa KOs Torbjorn Madsen via spinning elbow – EFC 75
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Dalcha Lungiambula
FIGHT OF THE YEAR – Amanda Lino vs Rizlen Zouak – EFC 75
