The ‘Glory of Torture’ targets PFL glory after EFC 127
Stung by a close loss at EFC 127, Tebatso 'The Glory of Torture' Molele is pouring his heart into training, hungry for a big fight to reclaim his flyweight title dreams and catch the PFL’s eye.
Tebatso ‘The Glory of Torture’ Molele, a talented flyweight with relentless energy, is bouncing back from a debatable defeat to Lihle Ngamnthwini at EFC 127 on September 11. Now 4–3 in the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC), Molele is itching for a high-stakes scrap to prove he’s still a top contender. Training at Mamelodi Kickboxing Warriors Club, he’s sharpening his skills, striving to show the world, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he’s ready for the big stage.
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Looking back on EFC 127, Molele knows where things slipped. “[Ngamnthwini’s] takedown defence was on point, and caught me off guard. I should’ve drilled more for his blitz, better head movement, less chasing. My cardio dipped in round 3, and I need sharper pacing.”
Two weeks later, the sting lingers. “It hurts, man. I’m pissed, replaying it, but my team and family keep me grounded. I’ve been hitting pads and talking it out with my coach. There’s no quitting here, just more fire. My career is still on track, and this is just a bump on the road to success.”
The loss feels familiar, like his epic Fight of the Night against Willie van Rooyen. “Feels like the Willie van Rooyen loss… Gave it all, came up short. That was a five-rounder, this was three, but both showed I’m close to the top. Early losses taught me more, this one’s a reminder to tighten up.”
Also read: Warrior promises comeback after EFC 126 loss
Molele’s already making changes. “I’m back in the gym already. Working on head movement, adding sprints to enhance the cardio, and drilling transitions to not stall on the ground. I’m also bringing in a mental coach, to stay locked in.” His determination is as clear as day.
Eyeing a potential fight against Kelvin Smit in December, Molele looks to close off 2025 with a bang, and start 2026 with an undeterred mindset. “In 2026, maybe a Lihle rematch would be a good way to kick off the year, or someone like Nathanial Komana, to prove I’m title-ready.”
His sights are set on PFL’s high-stakes tournaments. “PFL’s tournament is my vibe. High stakes, back-to-back scraps. My pressure and subs fit perfect, plus, their Africa push and big checks are calling.
“No direct contact from PFL as yet, but I know they’re watching EFC, and I’m working on a big win next to get noticed. EFC’s wild crowds and tough matchups built my wrestling and striking under fire, and I’m now ready for PFL’s grind with that experience.
“Guys like Bruno Miranda get me hyped, his BJJ vs my grit. Beating a name like that puts me in the title talk, and shows South Africa can hang globally.”
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