‘Feralspunky’ ready to return to hexagon following knee injury

Following a devastating injury to his left knee that kept him from fighting for months, Parkrand’s EFC fighter, Godfrey ‘Feralspunky’ Mkhwanazi, is set to return to the hexagon in March.

The 25-year-old will be taking on Ash Zolo on March 6 in an EFC 121 bantamweight bout at the WSB EFC Arena.

Feralspunky previously stated that he has his sights set on becoming an EFC champion. However, he sustained an injury to his left knee while warming up for his fight against Ntando ‘The Zulu Warrior’ Zondi in October.

“It popped out about 10 minutes before the fight. It dislocated twice during the fight, and when it dislocated the second time, I was caught in a rear-naked choke. Not being able to defend myself is how he finished me in the last minute of the first round.”

“My team (including medical personnel and coaches who help me prepare for a fight) suspects it’s from having tight hips, which made my knees less mobile. This caused me to overcompensate in various areas of my body, which unfortunately led to my knee bearing the brunt. The tight hips possibly stemmed from hours of training day after day without the appropriate post-training therapy,” said Mkhwanazi, whose pro MMA record is 1-2-0.

Mkhwanazi described the moment as a “it is what it is” situation, as he was winning until the second dislocation of his knee.

“I felt frustrated more than anything, especially since I was so close.”

“The team told me that I couldn’t fight for a while. It’s been a long process coming to terms with the injury and the direction I’m heading in, but after taking the break, I do feel like a better version of myself. The goal during this time off was to develop and heal, and that’s exactly what I did. It’s put me in a position to fight again in March.”

“My sponsors also played a big role in the aftermath, so I’d like to thank Ranger Waste Management and Canna Manor, along with the close support around me,” he added.

At present, Feralspunky is strengthening his legs through weight training, along with visits to his lynotherapist and chiropractor.

Speaking ahead of the fight against Zolo, Feralspunky said: “Training towards a fight feels great. It’s always a nice feeling to have a direct purpose for my training, so I’m excited to get back in there and put on a show for all my fans and enthusiasts, whether they’re watching EFC or following my profile. I still believe no one can keep up with me skill for skill, and in March, I’m going to prove that by moving up a division to 61kg (bantamweight) instead of my usual fight weight of 56kg (flyweight).”

Mkhwanazi added that he just wants his opponent to show up on the scales so “we can handle business on March 6.”

The MMA fighter’s ultimate goal is to make it into the UFC and deliver exciting fights for the fans, while putting South Africa on the map.

Also Read: Fighting in the EFC is a dream come true for ‘Feralspunky’