Luke Michael believes he is a different man after Title loss

By Rynhardt Kuhn
9th September 2026

Former EFC Middleweight Champion Luke Michael says he is a completely new man and fighter as he attempts to bounce back from defeat in his next fight against JT Botha on Thursday night at EFC 137.

Michael relinquished his middleweight title after a devastating defeat at the hands of Diego Bandu, and after a six-month-long wait, ‘Young Gun’ is itching to prove that he still belongs at the top of the division after fighting with an injury against Bandu last time out.

"I'm a different man, a different athlete. That version of me is dead. The old me is dead and gone. This fight means the world to me, and I will prove that I am still on top of this division. I am the number one contender," said Michael

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"If you look at the EFC middleweight division over the last few years, who has really defended the title? Bandu never defended it. People look at my record, but at middleweight, I am 4-2. The first loss was against JP Kruger, who arguably stopped that guy in round one. The second loss was to Bandu in Cape Town in February, compromised with all humility and respect to JT Botha."

It has been five years since Michael has been involved in a fight where there is no title on the line, but the former champion is relishing the opportunity to rebuild.

He also talks about returning to a three round contest instead of a championship five rounder.

Michael made his EFC debut as a 19-year-old and he went on to taste gold, but he now believes that he is entering the prime of his career as he prepares to clash with his third opponent from the CIT Performance Institute.

This fight will be contested at a catchweight of 91kg, and fight fans can stream the action LIVE from 19:00 on SABC-plus.com.