BRAVE CF Bantamweight No. 1 Contender, Nicholas Hwende, has turned up the heat ahead of his highly anticipated clash with Nkosi Ndebele, delivering a bold statement about his allegiance and his claim to the title of a “true African champion.” The Zimbabwean-born fighter, who has lived and trained in South Africa for years, didn’t hold back in critiquing Ndebele’s decision to base his training at SOMA Fight Club in Bali, Indonesia.
Hwende, who trains at Corvus Gym in Johannesburg, South Africa, asserted that his roots in the South African MMA scene and his commitment to training locally make him a more authentic representative of African MMA. Speaking in a video that has been circulating online, Hwende declared, “We can really see who is the true African champion. And I’m sure I am the champion, the real one. I’m more of a South African, more than Nkosi.”
For Hwende, the fight is about more than just a title. This is about proving the value of African MMA talent when developed within the continent’s borders. He expressed pride in training alongside fellow African fighters, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent on the continent rather than opting for a life abroad. “For me, it’s not about flying overseas training. It’s always about training with my brothers and sisters, and then we go perform,” Hwende explained.
This is a clear contrast to Ndebele’s approach. While Nkosi has undoubtedly elevated his skills at SOMA Fight Club, training with world-class fighters and coaches, Hwende believes the choice undermines his connection to African MMA. “Nkosi, if he got [the belt], of course, you go overseas. I don’t understand his way, but I think it’s good for him. But for me… I’m really proud to call myself that I’m gonna be a South African champion!”
Hwende’s words underscore the deeper stakes of this fight. The winner not only claims the top gold in the BRAVE CF bantamweight division but also a symbolic title as the face of African MMA in a global promotion. Hwende’s commitment to representing South Africa, even though he hails from Zimbabwe, can be seen as a product of the country’s growing MMA infrastructure.
The matchup between Hwende and Ndebele is shaping up to be more than a physical battle; it’s now a clash of philosophies. Hwende’s emphasis on homegrown talent and community contrasts sharply with Ndebele’s global approach to seeking the best training and development.
The outcome of this bout will not only crown a champion but also answer the question of what it means to be a “True African Champion” in today’s MMA landscape. Will it be Hwende, proudly representing South Africa and its MMA system, or Ndebele, the fighter who has embraced international exposure to elevate his game?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this fight is about more than a title. It’s about identity, pride, and the future of African MMA.
