For years, South African Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) existed on the fringes of the global fight scene, respected by those who knew it, ignored by those who did not. That was until Dricus du Plessis walked into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) ring and changed everything. But first, before we can have a conversation about Du Plessis, we need to look back at where he came from and the league that helped him grow.
Africa watched the global rise of MMA from the sidelines. While promotions like the UFC exploded in the United States and Europe, the continent had little access to the sport beyond grainy clips, imported DVDs, and late-night television. That gap is precisely where the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) found its purpose. Founded in 2009, the EFC has grown into Africa’s leading MMA promotion, not only hosting fights but building a pathway for African athletes to reach the highest levels of competition.
According to EFC CEO and co-founder Cairo Howarth, the idea for the organisation emerged in the mid-2000s when MMA was beginning to break into mainstream media internationally. While the sport was gaining traction abroad, it was virtually inaccessible in South Africa and across the continent. Unlike today, where we can switch on our phones and stream a fight from anywhere in the world, overseas sporting leagues such as the UFC were only accessible through DVDs. “We were watching the sport grow in the States, but you couldn’t find it here,” Howarth explained. Recognising both the global momentum of MMA and Africa’s deep-rooted fighting culture, the EFC was created to fill a void that larger international organisations had overlooked. Rather than waiting for the sport to arrive in Africa, the EFC brought it here on its own terms.
What sets the EFC apart is that it functions as far more than a fight promotion. It is a structured development system designed to prepare athletes for international competition. Fighters progress through the organisation knowing there is a clear route forward: train locally, compete professionally, earn recognition, and ultimately transition to global platforms like the UFC. Along the way, athletes are exposed to the full demands of professional sport, from medical and drug testing to media training and performing under live television pressure. As Howarth noted, by the time EFC fighters reach the global stage, “nothing is new to them”. They are already accustomed to the scrutiny, discipline, and expectations that come with elite competition.
The impact of this approach is increasingly visible. EFC athletes are not only competitive, but confident when they move overseas, having already fought high-level opponents and performed in front of large audiences. The organisation also draws from a wide range of martial arts backgrounds, providing professional opportunities for athletes trained in disciplines such as judo, wrestling, kickboxing, and jiu-jitsu – sports that often lack sustainable professional pathways on their own. In this sense, the EFC does more than showcase talent; it keeps athletes in the sport by giving them something tangible to work toward.
When posed with the question of whether the EFC is solely an African league or a global one based in Africa, Howarth gave a nuanced answer. Despite being firmly rooted in Africa, as a league focused on promoting and supporting African fighters, the EFC’s reach extends far beyond the continent. Its social media presence attracts millions of viewers globally with approximately 1.2 billion minutes of streaming per year over the last five years on their Facebook account, with its largest audiences based in countries like the United States and Brazil. This level of international visibility is rare for African sports properties, many of which struggle to gain traction outside their home markets. And yet, EFC content – fast-paced, high-quality, and easily accessible – resonates with MMA fans and the modern media consumer worldwide. For African fighters, this exposure is invaluable. A single standout performance can be viewed by millions, transforming relatively unknown athletes into globally recognised prospects almost overnight. This separates the EFC from other African and South African leagues. You can become a global phenomenon after one viral punch or knockout, which differs largely from other sports where you must work your way up over time.
Another defining feature of the EFC is its accessibility to local fans. Local audiences can watch African fighters live, many of whom are legitimate future UFC contenders. Unlike many South African sports where athletes stay local, the EFC’s MMA fighters frequently go global. For young, aspiring fighters, the UFC is no longer a distant dream; there is a world-class promotion operating on their doorstep, actively preparing them for that leap.
Looking ahead, the EFC shows no signs of slowing down. With plans to expand events across South Africa and explore opportunities elsewhere on the continent, the organisation is positioning itself for continued growth. Importantly, that growth remains tied directly to the athletes it serves. As the EFC expands, so too does the platform available to African fighters chasing global success, and the opportunity for fans to witness that journey up close.
To mark this next chapter, PDBY, in collaboration with the EFC, will be giving away five double tickets, allowing the winners to attend either the upcoming Cape Town event in February or the Johannesburg event in April. Keep an eye out on the PDBY’s Instagram page for details on how to enter the competition. In a sport defined by opportunity and timing, the EFC has ensured that Africa is no longer waiting on the sidelines; it is firmly in the fight.
