Johannesburg (South Africa) – Springs Boy’s High School old boy Tumisang ‘The President’ Madiba rounds off the EFC 31, July 03 card. He makes his debut against Durban’s highly rated Sizwe Mnikathi, also entering the Hexagon for the first time.

A school mate of Boyd Allen, Madiba entered Mixed Martial Arts two years ago, while in his first year of study toward a law degree.

“Two things actually happened,” said Madiba. “In 2011 I heard a radio advert for an EFC event, it was Demarte Pena fighting Leo Gloss. It sounded like something I wanted to do, but I was trying to enter the army at the time, and didn’t go after it. Then in 2012 I saw Boyd’s name in the paper, a story on his success in MMA. I called him and he suggested I should start training at the Rio Grappling Club.”

A member of a team comprising of the likes of EFC stars JP Kruger, Francois Groenewald and Cedric Doyle, Madiba quickly made a name for himself on the amateur circuit. There he racked up a 6-3-1 record, including bouts against current EFC greats Matthew Buirski, Barend Nienaber and Pierre Botha.

“My fight with Matt was very close,” he said. “It went to a split decision. Afterward Matt came to me and said he thought I won. At some point I’d love a rematch with Barend and Pierre also.”

The final spot on the EFC 31 card was due to be filled by Kanyeba Anicet, but a delay in securing the signature of his opponent kept the fight unannounced, after which a sudden bout of flu forced Kanyeba to withdraw.

“Wow. I left my degree because I knew that this is what I want to do,” said Madiba. “Now I’m here, having signed a fight with EFC. It’s an amazing feeling.”

EFC 31, presented by BetXchange.com, returns to the Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, on Thursday 03 July 2014. Tickets on sale at www.computicket.com. Book your cinema ticket to all fights live and in state of the art digital projection at www.sterkinekor.com. Watch the entire event live, from anywhere on the globe, via online streaming at efcafrica.tv.