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MMA fighter eyes title contention after EFC 133 victory

Fourways-based mixed martial artist Godknows Ndlovu has overcome personal and financial hurdles to notch six professional wins in the EFC, inspiring his community with a story of faith, family, and determination.

From humble beginnings in a family of seven to stepping into the EFC cage, rising local mixed martial artist Godknows Ndlovu is living proof that perseverance and faith can shape a champion.

Born in a household that desperately wanted a boy, Godknows says his name, given at church, carries deep meaning. “They say only God knows the right time, you just have to trust in him.”
Growing up surrounded by sport, with two uncles playing professional football, one in Zimbabwe and one in South Africa, and his mother excelling in basketball and marathons, an active lifestyle was inevitable. “I grew up playing sports since primary school.”

Read more: Dramatic comebacks at EFC 133

Godknows Ndlovu clinches Roevan De Beer against the cage. Photo: Supplied

After moving to Johannesburg, he sought to carve his own path. Inspired by watching EFC events, he stepped away from family football traditions and began training at Tap Out Academy in Cresta. He now trains at Topgun Marvelous Gym with Nkosi Ndebele, putting in grueling Monday-to-Saturday double sessions with proper recovery and nutrition on Sundays.

Godknows reflects proudly on his short but impactful career. “I have two fights I am proud of, my first professional win at EFC 100 and this last one against Roevan. Those are the best highlights so far.”

Also read: EFC 134 lives up to its billing

The journey has not been without setbacks. Following a tough loss, he had to pull up his socks up, work hard, fix mistakes, trust the process, and believe in himself again. The recent victory proved especially meaningful. “This win means a lot. I am happy for myself and my team, who have been by my side helping me improve both as an athlete and a person. We win together.”

Godknows Ndlovu lands a crane kick against Roevan De Beer. Photo: Supplied

He identifies wrestling as his strongest asset, while continuously sharpening his stand-up game. Outside the cage, the fighter lives a disciplined life as a self-described homebody who neither drinks nor smokes.

Financial realities remain a major obstacle. “Fighting is not easy, especially if you don’t have the right people by you. Preparing is the most difficult diet-wise, you need good food and recovery staff, and those things cost money.” He emphasised the difference sponsors and strong connections can make.

Driven by family support and community encouragement, Godknows keeps his eyes on the prize. His ambition is clear, keep winning, climb the ranks, and earn a title shot. “It’s always a dream to become a champion. I just want to be remembered as a good man, someone who made the impossible possible.”

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Nelson Kgarose

Nelson Kgarose is a Multimedia sports journalist and Digital Content Creator specialising in sports and current municipal news. I mainly report on the sport of Mixed Martial Arts with a focus on accuracy and thorough analysis. My commitment to objectivity and detail shapes my writing. Outside of covering sports, I engage with trending local news and interact with fans on social media.

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