The build-up to EFC 128 took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as interim featherweight champion Ken Sekeletu was forced to relinquish his title after failing to make weight. The official weigh-in at the WSB EFC Arena in Sandton, South Africa, confirmed that Sekeletu tipped the scales at 147 pounds, two pounds over the 145-pound featherweight championship limit.
As a result, Sekeletu was stripped of his interim featherweight title before stepping into the Hex. Despite this setback, the fight will proceed as scheduled, with Sekeletu still competing against his opponent, but the championship will no longer be on the line for him.
The weigh-in outcome sent shockwaves through the featherweight division, as Sekeletu had been considered one of the brightest rising stars in EFC. Missing weight not only costs fighters their titles but can also carry financial penalties and affect future matchups.
EFC 128 is now set to feature a non-title bout in place of the originally scheduled championship fight. Fans will still witness high-intensity action inside the Hex, as both fighters aim to showcase their skills despite the title controversy.
The incident serves as a reminder of the strict weight regulations in mixed martial arts and the critical importance of discipline and preparation in championship bouts. All eyes will now be on Sekeletu to see how he responds inside the cage and whether he can maintain his momentum in the featherweight division.
The fight card at EFC 128 remains stacked with talent, and the event promises to deliver thrilling fights, even amid the championship shake-up.