Faeez “Troublemaker” Jacobs has capped off an already impressive year with his triumph in EFC117.
The Capetonian recaptured the EFC gold, winning the bantamweight title by defeating Vincent Bembe with a second-round submission win via triangle choke, in Johannesburg last Thursday, September 12.
Jacobs has now secured three wins in 2024, adding the coveted title to his resume.
His journey to reclaiming the EFC title has been marked by pure grit, starting with a rematch against former champ Sylvester Chipfumbu, who had originally beat Jacobs for the bantamweight title.
However, in May, Jacobs got his revenge, finishing Chipfumbu with a TKO and cementing his place as the rightful contender for the bantamweight belt.
The victory set the stage for his showdown with Bembe, where Jacobs showcased his versatility and skillset.
Despite being widely known for his dynamic striking, Jacobs proved that he’s a well-rounded martial artist, securing the title with a submission win rather than the knockout he had promised before the fight.
While the finish may not have been the KO he anticipated, the triangle choke was an impressive display of his ground game, solidifying his place as one of the most complete fighters in the EFC.
Jacobs is never one to shy away from bold statements or exciting performances.
His showmanship in the cage has become one of his trademarks, and fans know that when he steps into the cage, they’re in for a spectacle.
With South African martial arts gaining international attention, particularly after Dricus du Plessis’ exploits in the UFC, Jacobs’ recent performance could be a stepping stone to even greater things.
The “Troublemaker” has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to reach the UFC.
With plans of the premier promotion potentially coming to South Africa in 2025, Jacobs’ recent victories and his exciting fighting style are sure to catch the eye of UFC bosses.
Now holding a record of 11-5, Jacobs is firmly cemented as one of the greats in the country and still has a long way to go make more history in this sport.
