Why Igeu Kabesa is eyeing the vacant EFC lightweight belt

Minutes after beating Reinaldo Ekson via a unanimous verdict from the judges on December 7, and oozing confidence from taking down the only man to have ever defeated him, Kabesa grabbed the microphone to make a big call. 

He says that’s how he cut his teeth in professional mixed martial arts. 

"I had five fights at lightweight, and then I had the option [to change]. So, at the time, my teammate Temba Gorimbo dropped down from welterweight to lightweight to fight for the belt against Leon Mynhardt, which was supposed to be my spot, but I had the option to chose my division," explained Kabesa.

"So, I was like, you know, let the boys fight – if they defend, we carry on. If my teammate Boyd Allen loses his [featherweight title], I'll fight for that strap; if Temba loses, I'll fight for the lightweight strap because everyone was getting a chance at these straps.

"Because we were teammates, we had to work with each other, but at the time I was number-one ranked. Before I was talking nicely, but now I want to put it our there – I want that strap. I feel like an original lightweight contender, that's where it's coming from."

Kabesa wants to be a two-division champion before he gives up the featherweight title, and adds he’s been led to believe EFC matchmaker Graeme Cartmell is working on setting up that opportunity this year. 

"I want to be a two-division champion, I think it's an important thing for me as well. And, I'm also not selfish guy, I want to give up the featherweight strap and I want my boy to jump in there, get himself some gold and let him elevate himself in some way," he added.

SABC Sport reported in May last year that Kabesa was still waiting on the Department of Home Affairs to give him the all-clear for a potential international fight. 

He confirms there’s still no movement on the Department’s side.

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