From Tragedy to Triumph: Nkosi Ndebele goes for MMA Glory

20 July 2023

In Bogota, Colombia, next month, Nkosi Ndebele is set to take on the challenge of a lifetime as he vies for the prestigious BRAVE CF bantamweight championship. However, the path leading to this remarkable moment in his professional career has been anything but smooth.

As the 28-year-old enters the event on August 12 with his head held high, ready to face Jose Torres and seize the gold, he reflects on the significant adversity he has overcome to reach this point.

Nkosi's journey began with the loss of his father when he was just a young boy, leaving him to be raised by his mother. Amidst the hardships, he also had to cope with the passing of one of his sisters in 2012. Despite these heartbreaks, he managed to persevere, and he attributes his ability to stay out of trouble to his upbringing in the church, instilling in him strong values.

"There was a time I was literally beaten by eight boys”, he recalled. “At the school you know? I couldn't see for the next few hours. That's how badly I was beaten by the boys. They beat me so bad… and I remember one of the guys, while others were busy kicking me in the face, trying to stab me”

“He was carrying a knife and trying to stab me”, Nkosi continued. “ And because of how a lot of guys were just on top of me, he couldn't find a space to stab me. All the guys then came in to help me, but by then the damage was done. It was done. Luckily I wasn’t stabbed. I just couldn't see for an hour and I went to the doctor. That’s when I knew I had to learn to defend myself. I was around 14 or 15 at that time."

However, as a teenager, he faced further challenges that tested his resolve. Yet, amidst it all, Nkosi describes one particular experience as the most traumatic of his life. Enduring hardship is an inevitable part of life, but Nkosi Ndebele has faced more than his fair share. Remarkably, he emerged from these trials and tribulations as a world-class athlete.

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On August 12, in Bogota, Colombia, the journey he embarked upon after that fateful day may culminate in a glorious end. To achieve this, Nkosi must overcome the formidable opponent, Jose "Shorty" Torres, and claim the highly coveted BRAVE CF Bantamweight world title. It will be a test of strength, determination, and resilience, a testament to Nkosi's unwavering spirit and drive to triumph against all odds.