Ayanda Zwane steps into the EFC hexagon in Paulshof on September 10 as a composed contender, leaving behind the fighting style that forced big moments.

The local contender, set to face decorated Zimbabwean prospect Lewis Mataya, has deliberately left behind the version of himself that chased every finish. Recently, Zwane made it clear that patience and composure now define his approach. “The fighter I’ve deliberately killed off is the version of me that felt like I had to prove everything in every moment,” Zwane explained. “That loss redirected me. It taught me that one night doesn’t define me, but how I respond to it does. The new trait I’ve kept alive is patience.

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I’m still aggressive, I’m still dangerous, but now I’m much more comfortable controlling the fight instead of rushing to win it.”

For Zwane, the meaning of ‘The Power’ has also shifted. While his knockout of Nerik Simoes remains a career highlight, true power now lies in staying composed under pressure. “Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is stay calm,” he said. “My corner might see that before anyone else does.” As the home fighter, Zwane feels the weight of expectation against an International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Africa champion. “There’s definitely pride in representing South Africa; I have to show that the level we’re building here at home is world-class,” he said. “I want fighters from outside South Africa to know that when they come into the hexagon against ‘The Power,’ they’re stepping into my environment.”

Camp has tested that new mindset. When a session went wrong and frustration rose, Zwane chose to reset rather than force results. “I didn’t need to win the training session. I needed to learn from it. Control isn’t about everything going perfectly. It’s about controlling your response when it doesn’t.”

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If this proves to be his last fight on home soil, Zwane wants to leave nothing behind for the fans who have followed his journey. “I still want to give the home fans a championship moment. If this is the last time they hear ‘The Power’ in the EFC hexagon, I want them to remember exactly why they gave me that name.”

Whether the fight ends in a finish or a full 15-minute war, Zwane is ready. “The KO shows what I can do. A hard 15-minute fight shows what I’ve become.”

When the cage door closes on September 10, his first thought will be simple: “I’m in control. Let him show me what he has.”

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