Cape Town, South Africa, the countdown is on for the highly anticipated launch of the KNOX Legacy Series, and all eyes are on one of the most dangerous rising stars in African MMA — Diego Bandu of Team CIT, based out of the elite CIT Performance Institute in Pretoria.
Taking place on Thursday, 26 February 2026, at the GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town, the inaugural KNOX Legacy Series event promises a stacked card of championship-level matchups. At the top of the card sits the Middleweight Championship Main Event, where Bandu challenges reigning champion Luke Michael in a battle that’s already generating buzz across the continent.
CIT’s Newest Contender Eyes EFC Gold
Representing one of the most respected MMA gyms in Africa, Diego Bandu is one of the latest product of the renowned Team CIT, a training camp that has consistently developed world-class fighters including current and former EFC champions.
Known for his explosive striking and relentless pressure, Bandu’s rise through the EFC ranks has been anything but ordinary. With an impressive record and a string of decisive finishes, his performance has earned him a shot at the EFC Middleweight title — and a chance to claim the belt in enemy territory.
“This is more than just a fight,” said Bandu in a recent interview. “It’s an opportunity to show what Pretoria and Team CIT are all about — we’re here to take over.”
KNOX Legacy Series, Cape Town vs. The World
The EFC’s KNOX Legacy Series is more than just an event — it’s a purpose-driven platform led by South Africa’s first UFC champion, Dricus du Plessis, and backed by the City of Cape Town. The event is designed to give the next generation of African MMA athletes a global stage to showcase their talent, and Bandu is one of the most talked-about international threats on the card.
His opponent, Cape Town’s own Luke Michael, is a fan favourite with a reputation for finishing fights. But with Bandu’s aggressive pace, elite-level training at CIT, and championship focus, many believe the Pretoria-based fighter could be walking out of GrandWest with the middleweight strap.
High Stakes, Global Eyes
Bandu vs. Michael isn’t just a local rivalry — it’s a showcase of African MMA at its finest. The KNOX Legacy Series will be broadcast globally, giving athletes like Bandu a chance to earn international recognition and pave the way for future opportunities on the world stage.
For Team CIT, it’s another moment to prove their legacy as one of the premier training institutes in the region. For Bandu, it’s personal.
