There is set to be a thrilling fight in EFC this weekend, as there will be a battle between two South African fighters. Nkazimulo Zulu will battle Luthando Biko in Johannesburg at EFC 89. But, which one of the stars will walk out of the area with the EFC Worldwide Flyweight Championship?
Tale of the Tape
| Nkazimulo Zulu | Luthando Biko | |
| 32 | Age | 31 |
| 12-4 | Record | 8-2 |
| 5 ft 5 in | Height | 5 ft |
| 68.9 in | Reach | 65.7 in |
EFC 89 Preview
It promises to be a fascinating battle between the two South Africans this weekend, as the fate of the flyweight championship hangs in the balance. Zulu is currently the favourite in the BetXchange betting to claim the win, after returning with an excellent win at EFC 85. He was in excellent form to claim the victory on that evening in May, as he won by triangle choke in the second round against Fafa Dwama. That performance ensured that he stretched to a winning sequence of three in five.
Zulu’s other two wins during that period also came within the distance, as he beat Magno Alves by first round stoppage in June 2018, before winning against Gary Joshua just five months later. However, the win that he recorded earlier in the year was an excellent return to form, having lost his last two in 2019. The first of those defeats were suffered against Jake Hadley by unanimous decision, while the defeat against Faeez Jacobs was a much more controversial split decision defeat. There is no denying that he has the experience advantage coming into this fight, and that could be a decisive factor.
Meanwhile, Biko will be stepping foot into the cage for the eleventh time during his career, and Shorty will be looking for a ninth career win. His record in recent years has been very promising, as his last defeat came back in April 2019 against JP Buys. Since that fourth round defeat, he has won his last three, with all of them coming by decision victories.
His chances should be held in high regard, as Biko is a fighter that has lost just once in nine outings since defeat in his first fight. His three most recent victories have come against Tumisang Madiba, Taiki Akiba and Gian Souza. Biko’s win over Souza was his last victory, with that coming on the undercard of the rematch between Illunga and Kanyeba at EFC 86. That split decision victory means that confidence will be high coming into this flyweight title opportunity for the 31-year-old.
Zulu vs Biko Prediction
The height and reach advantage that Zulu has could be the most important factors for this fight. However, it is also hard to look past the dominant displays that Biko has put in over recent years. His performances have been effective and controlled, without having finished a fight within the distance. It is a fight that could go either way, but we like the chances of Biko claiming the biggest win of his career to date. But, for that to happen, the fight will likely need to go the distance.
Prediction: Luthando Biko at BetXchange.
