- George Chung
- Jan 29
- 2 min read
Nicholas Hwende’s meteoric rise from the heart of Zimbabwe to global MMA stardom is a story that reads like a Hollywood blockbuster—grit, redemption, and ultimate triumph. Today, as the reigning BRAVE CF Bantamweight Champion, Hwende isn’t just wearing gold—he’s rewriting the narrative for African fighters in the world of mixed martial arts.
Born in Zimbabwe and now training out of Johannesburg, South Africa, ‘The Saint’ has stormed through the competition with a lethal mix of precision, power, and a warrior’s heart. Despite having just 10 professional fights, he has already left a trail of defeated opponents, proving that his dominance is no fluke. With three devastating finishes and five hard-fought decision wins, Hwende has cemented himself as one of the most dangerous fighters on BRAVE CF’s roster in 2025.
From Knockdowns to Comebacks: Hwende’s Defining Moment
Hwende was a force to be reckoned with in Africa’s Extreme Fighting Championship, where he captured the bantamweight title and obliterated challengers with ease. But when he made his highly anticipated BRAVE CF debut at BRAVE CF 71 in June 2023, reality struck hard. Against Russian powerhouse Velimurad Alkhasov, Hwende suffered the first loss of his career via unanimous decision—a humbling moment that could have shattered lesser fighters.
But Hwende isn’t like most fighters. Instead of backing down, he doubled down.
Six months later, he roared back into the cage, dismantling Mutolibsho Akobirov with a clinical unanimous decision victory. That win sparked an unstoppable momentum, culminating in a dominant showcase against Hurshed Nazarov at BRAVE CF 82 in May 2024. The reward? A title shot that would change everything.
Crowning Africa’s Next Champion
December 13, 2024, BRAVE CF 91—the moment Nicholas Hwende’s name would be etched in history. Facing his toughest opponent yet, fellow African warrior Nkosi Ndebele, Hwende stepped up when it mattered most. In a thrilling display of striking mastery, wrestling control, and sheer heart, he outclassed Ndebele over five grueling rounds to win by unanimous decision.
With that victory, Hwende became just the second African fighter in history to wear BRAVE CF gold, igniting a firestorm of excitement across the continent. In a sport where Africa is rapidly becoming a powerhouse, Hwende now finds himself as a flagbearer for the next generation of MMA talent.
What’s Next for ‘The Saint’?
As 2025 kicks off, the question isn’t if Nicholas Hwende can keep his belt—it’s who dares to take it from him. Will Ndebele demand an immediate rematch to reclaim his lost crown? Or will a new contender rise from the shadows to challenge Africa’s bantamweight king?
One thing is certain: Hwende is just getting started.
With his relentless work ethic, unbreakable mindset, and ever-evolving fight game, ‘The Saint’ is on a mission to not only dominate the BRAVE CF bantamweight division but to elevate African MMA to new heights. This isn’t just about a title defense—it’s about a legacy.
And if history has taught us anything, it’s this: Never bet against Nicholas Hwende.
