Ndebele, who rose from the streets of Diepsloot to become BRAVE CF’s first fully homegrown World Champion, is leaving the promotion after over 8 years, making history as our first-ever home-made Champion.
Ndebele’s journey with BRAVE CF began in 2017, progressing from amateur to professional ranks. Over his career, he competed in 11 professional fights under the BRAVE CF banner, amassing an impressive record of 8 wins, with 5 coming via stoppage.
His crowning achievement came at BRAVE CF 80 in December 2023, where he captured the Bantamweight Championship with a stunning performance against Jose Torres. This victory not only showcased his superior striking but also marked his rise as a global MMA star.
“Nkosi has been an integral part of BRAVE’s journey, and his contributions to the organisation go beyond just his fights. He has been a true professional and a champion, embodying everything we stand for. His presence has left a lasting impact, and we appreciate the years he dedicated to BRAVE CF,” said Mohammed Shahid, President of BRAVE CF.
Ndebele’s career is marked by extraordinary milestones: he fought on 3 different continents, competed in 4 title fights, and accumulated a total cage time of 143 minutes and 24 seconds—the second-highest in BRAVE CF history. These numbers underscore his endurance and dedication to the sport.
Reflecting on his time with BRAVE CF, Ndebele said: “My journey with BRAVE CF has been transformative. From my first amateur fight to becoming champion, I’ve grown not just as a fighter but as a person.
“I appreciate the vision and support of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the leadership of Mohammed Shahid. The opportunities and platform BRAVE CF provided have been invaluable in showcasing African MMA talent to the world.”
Ndebele’s last appearance for BRAVE CF was at BRAVE CF 91 in Bahrain, where he lost his title in a closely contested five-round battle against Zimbabwe’s Nicholas Hwende. Despite this loss, Ndebele’s legacy remains intact as a fierce competitor who consistently inspired fans with his performances.
Muhammad Rizvan Ali, Athlete Relations Manager at BRAVE CF, added: “Working with Nkosi has been a privilege. His professionalism, dedication, and journey from amateur to world champion have set a high standard for our athletes. He will always be part of the BRAVE CF family.”
As Nkosi Ndebele moves on to the next chapter of his career, BRAVE CF celebrates his achievements and the indelible mark he has left on the organisation and African MMA. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters across Africa—demonstrating that with determination and perseverance, greatness is within reach.
