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Nicholas Hwende: BRAVE CF's African Champion Ready to Make History in 2025
Jan 29, 2025
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Nicholas Hwende’s journey from the heart of Zimbabwe to the global MMA stage has been nothing short of extraordinary. Now reigning as the BRAVE CF Bantamweight Champion, Hwende has solidified himself not only as the king of his division but also as a trailblazer for African fighters in the promotion.
Born in Zimbabwe and currently fighting out of Johannesburg, South Africa, Hwende has climbed the ranks with a tenacity and skill set that have captivated fans all over the world. With just 10 fights in his professional career, ‘The Saint’ has demonstrated an ability to adapt and excel, boasting three four finishes and five decision triumphs. His rise to prominence in BRAVE CF has firmly established him as a force to be reckoned with in 2025.
A Strong Start and a Hard Lesson
Hwende’s dominance in the African MMA scene was undeniable during his time in the Extreme Fighting Championship, where he held the bantamweight title and left a trail of defeated challengers in his wake. However, his promotional debut at BRAVE CF 71 on June 19, 2023 against Velimurad Alkhasov was a humbling experience. Suffering the first loss of his career via unanimous decision, Hwende found himself at a crossroads that could change the trajectory of his entire life.
Rather than letting the setback define him, Hwende treated the loss as a lesson. He returned to the cage six months later, defeating Mutolibsho Akobirov via unanimous decision. This marked the beginning of a winning streak that included a dominant performance against Hurshed Nazarov at BRAVE CF 82 on May 11, 2024, leading to an opportunity to challenge for the title.
Claiming Gold and Leading the Charge
The turning point in Hwende’s career came during the 2024 BRAVE International Combat Week’s marquee event on December 13, 2024 - BRAVE CF 91. Challenging fellow African standout Nkosi Ndebele for the BRAVE CF Bantamweight Championship, Hwende showcased a masterclass in striking, grappling, and cage control. The unanimous decision victory crowned him the second African BRAVE CF champion, and the bout itself had the attention of the entire African continent.
As the only African titleholder in BRAVE CF, Hwende has embraced the role of leader amongst the continent’s fighters. His success serves as inspiration for others looking to break into the global MMA scene, and his presence elevates the stature of African MMA within the sport.
What Lies Ahead in 2025?
Now at the apex of the bantamweight division, Hwende faces the inevitable question: What’s next? Will a new challenger emerge to test ‘The Saint’, or will Ndebele demand a rematch to reclaim his throne? Regardless of the opponent, Hwende’s adaptability, precision, and relentless work ethic suggest he is ready for whatever challenge comes his way.
As 2025 unfolds, Hwende’s focus will undoubtedly remain on defending his title and further cementing his legacy in BRAVE CF. But his impact goes beyond individual accolades. Hwende’s reign as champion represents a larger narrative - the rise of African MMA talent on the global stage. ‘The Saint’ will be looking to continue to lead the charge with determination and inspiration on that front.
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