Nkosi Ndebele puts Africa on the global MMA map

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Nkosi Ndebele is establishing himself as one of the most compelling names in the global combat sport. After winning a PFL World Tournament match, Ndebele started making international headlines after defeating reigning champion Marcirley Alves.

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Man behind the champion

The athlete is a trailblazer in many facets. But who is the man behind the champion?

Ndebele describes himself as a “normal guy.”

He has built himself over the years, holding strong family values, staying true to himself, and staying disciplined. He explained to BONA that there is no man behind the champion; rather, the champion is the result of the man.

He was drawn to MMA because of the sport’s discipline and challenge. Ndebele didn’t start out seeking to make a career out of the sport. He simply enjoyed training and wanted to see how far he could push himself. He focused, improved, and honed his combat skills, and through gaining experience and success, he saw that he could seriously pursue MMA as a career.

A PFL World Tournament champion

The MMA fighter recently won his most recent achievement at the PFL tournament championship, with only eight days’ notice. Ndebele proved his mastery in this match. With such short notice, the champion showed up prepared, well-trained, and won.

When asked about what compelled him to accept the offer, Nkosi explained that the opportunity was too good to pass; however, beyond that, he trusted himself; he trusted the work he continuously puts in and the discipline he has.

Ndebele shared that victory for him now is a bit more evolved than what it looked like when he started.

“I want to become a world champion and leave a lasting mark on the sport.”

With this goal in mind, when asked about other opponents he’d love to go up against, he told BONA that it’s not about the opponent for him, but rather the challenge. He wants to fight the toughest, the strongest and biggest opponent available.

 

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MMA as a growing sport on the continent

MMA is a growing sport in Africa, and rising stars from the continent are representing the continent on the global stage. Ndebele stated that some of the unique strengths South African MMA fighters bring to the sport are a different level of toughness and hunger.

“A lot of us come from environments where you learn to be resilient and adapt. We also have a strong sporting culture, and when you combine that with the level of talent coming through, you get fighters who are hungry to prove themselves internationally.” 

What he learned from winning the PFL tournament match

The champion learned that in cases like these, every detail matters, but beyond anything, he was affirmed by the experience. Now he knows that he deserves to be on that level and that stage, and that is an experience you simply cannot buy.

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