Gift Walker vs. Sithembiso Hadebe added to EFC 138 card

The EFC 138 fight card has had a major fight announcement, as Gift 'The Day' Walker is set to face Sithembiso 'Shaka Zulu' Hadebe. The fight is one that will surely have the entire bantamweight division paying attention.

Gift Walker vs. Sithembiso Hadebe at EFC 138

Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) announced that the upcoming EFC 138 fight card has had an additional bout added. This announced fight will see former EFC Flyweight Champion Gift Walker meet Sithembiso Hadebe, who recently made his return to the promotion.

Walker's last fight saw him challenge Faeez Jacobs for the promotion's bantamweight title at EFC 135 on July 2nd. Despite a losing effort, Walker managed to go the distance with the champion, earning the respect of his opponent and the 135-pound division after his move up from flyweight.

Hadebe returned to action at EFC 136 on August 6th after close to two years of inactivity. Hadebe managed to pick up a unanimous decision victory over Godfrey Mkhwanazi on the night. Now, Hadebe steps up for another fight - and this is the biggest of his EFC career.

The Stakes of the EFC 138 Bout

Walker is still relatively new to the EFC's bantamweight division, and he continues testing himself against the competition at 135 pounds. The Jacobs fight could be considered the biggest test of the division, but Walker can now focus on starting his campaign for another title shot in the division.

Hadebe, despite fighting at bantamweight, is relatively unfamiliar with the division too. Prior to his return against Mkhwanazi, Hadebe made two appearances in UAE Warriors, so the last time he engaged with the EFC's roster was at EFC 110 back in December 2023. The Mkhwanazi fight was a true baptism of fire for Hadebe, and this Walker fight is his chance to prove he belongs at the very top of the division.

The EFC bantamweight division includes some notable names such as Emerson Pedro, Eduardo Barros, Veja Hinda, and Moses Mokhari. If Hadebe wants to prove he belongs in the division's title picture above those names, he will have to achieve the feat of defeating a former EFC champion in Walker. For Walker, the goal is simple but not easy - get back in the winning column.

The EFC 138 fight card already had eight fights confirmed, making this the ninth scheduled bout. Notably, EFC did not list this bout as the main event of the evening, and the fight that will take up that slot remains unconfirmed. Regardless, the Walker vs. Hadebe fight is expected to carry significant weight in the bantamweight division.