Igeu Kabesa: Only Documents Prevent EFC’s Greatest Champ From International Move

• Igeu Kabesa defeated Vince Bembe in the main event of EFC 104 to retain his Featherweight title
• Smiley has been linked with a move to the UFC and PFL but remains fighting for the EFC in South Africa
• Kabesa is looking to become a double champion in the EFC as he considers a move up to Lightweight

There’s no denying that Igeu ‘Smiley’ Kabesa is a future international star.

The EFC Featherweight champion has constantly been linked with a move overseas but remains fighting for the organisation.

As the greatest Featherweight on the African continent, Kabesa is considered a sure bet to be signed by the UFC or PFL.

Why Smiley remains in SA

During the post-event press conference for EFC 104, Kabesa touched on why he hasn’t signed up for an overseas promotion yet.

Smiley explained that due to his parents being refugees in the country, they were never able to register him, even though he was born in the country.

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He added that since he moved down to Polokwane, they have been in constant talks with Home Affairs trying to sort out his documents, but due to a backlog, he is still waiting.

The matter is now with the department’s head office in Pretoria, and Kabesa has no choice but to wait for a resolution before his future can be decided.

EFC matchmaker Graeme Cartmell also touched on the issue, saying that only documentation was stopping Smiley from a move abroad.

Who is Igeu Kabesa?

A three-time Featherweight champ, Kabesa has been fighting for the EFC since 2013 and has notched up 16 wins and just two losses, Tapology reported.

Smiley’s only losses both came via submission. He is also a multi-time national wrestling champion.

What’s next for Kabesa?

There's no real challenge for the champ after defeating Vince Bembe to retain his belt in the main event of EFC 104. Smiley secured the victory in the first round as he forced Bembe to tap out to a rear-naked choke, SuperSport reported.

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With no real challenger in sight, Kabesa hinted that he could challenge for the Lightweight title next and become a two-division champion.

Igeu Kabesa vs Vince Bembe

Sports Brief also reported that Igeu Kabesa returns to the Hexagon, aiming to defend his Featherweight title again.

Smiley, an EFC veteran of 17 fights, is the number-one-ranked Featherweight in the country and a dominant champ.

Having last fought in November 2022, beating Bradley Swanepoel, Kabesa will defend his title next against Bembe.