BY TERRY MADYAUTA
Sylvester Chipfumbu was crowned the new Extreme Fighting Championship bantamweight champion on Saturday after outsmarting the incumbent Faaez Jacobs.
Hailing from Mkoba, Gweru, Chipfumbu struck it rich by landing a prestigious title in Africa’s premier mixed martial arts competition which was restarting its engine following more than a year of hibernation due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Nevertheless, the long layoff on sidelines was a blessing in disguise for the Gladiator, as Chipfumbu is affectionately known, to train and gather momentum before winning and wrapping the coveted gold strap around his waist after an explosive performance, which outwitted Jacobs for the majority of their five-round fight.
The bout ended all in favour of the former Zimbabwe karateka in a unanimous decision (48-47 50-45 49-46) at the EFC Performance Institute in Johannesburg, South Africa.
In the first round, he started in high tempo, making good inroads with his striking, punching on the hapless Faeez, whose kicks and blows were insignificant.
Chipfumbu should be credited for handling intense pressure as Faeez tried to finish the job while the contender showed composure on his back, subduing all the threats.
The second, third, fourth and fifth rounds saw Chipfumbu slowly gain ascendancy with no intention of stopping as he controlled the exchanges in the process taking down Faaez.
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Moreso, Chipfumbu’s corner deserves credit for moulding him into enduring a fighter.
His corner included former EFC bantamweight champion Demarte Pena and current welterweight champion, Themba Gorimbo.
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