Nathanial seeks further success in SA MMA
The path to greatness is forged by hard work.
Nathanial Komana, also known by his fighting nickname ‘Kakarot’, is a professional mixed martial artist fighting out of Arte Suave/House of Tinkerbell gym in Alberton.
He has his sights set on the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) Flyweight title.
The 27-year-old has had a long journey in MMA. He started fighting in his hometown of Springs to deter bullies but eventually, thanks to the guidance of his coach Jean-Pierre Kruger, he began developing his MMA skills.
Nathanial started learning how to box when he was 14 but never trained to fight as a pro.
“I just learnt how to fight to be ready in case of a bully. I was always involved in team sports like rugby but soon I realised that MMA, although an individual sport, requires me to have a great team behind me while I have to try my best to get the job done. This dynamic is what made me enjoy MMA,” said Komana.
Komana would like to move on to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and develop his ground game as the basis of his MMA.
“I started competing in Jiu-Jitsu and got addicted, Jiu-Jitsu is my basis and allows me to mix up my skills against my opponents which is important as I need to be able to test my opponent in all aspects to win,“ outlined Komana.
His skills earned him an EFC contract and he is on a two-fight winning streak.
On April 10, at The WSB EFC Arena in Sandton, Komana faced off against Kgaugelo Moishela at EFC 122.
It was a hard-fought contest which saw Komana win via technical knockout due to elbows.
As the flyweight title is currently vacant, Komana aims to attain the belt in 2025.
“I will work hard to bring the EFC gold back to Alberton,” expressed Nathanial.
“I want to thank all my coaches at Arte Suave and House of Tinkerbell. I also want to encourage people to take up MMA. Whether as a hobby, exercise or seriously. The skills involved will aid in problem-solving and taking the stress off your mind and allow you to live in the moment,” he said.
