Iviwe Msuthu, once known as Iviwe Mphathiswa, is set to make his mark in combat sports. The 23-year-old South African, dubbed the ‘South Side Ninja’, opened up in an exclusive interview about his MMA roots, a pivotal surname switch, and his hunger to conquer the cage.

Msuthu’s MMA journey kicked off in 2015 in Grade 8, sparked by friends and a high school teacher. “I fell in love with the sport. It changed my life, my body, and how I looked.” Training under South African greats like Rico Hattingh and Zeke Norris, he honed grappling, Muay Thai, and kickboxing.

Inspired by Conor McGregor, Msuthu relates to his defiance of a forced path. “My parents wanted me to do engineering stuff, but MMA took over. I finished a fight in 15 seconds this year, like McGregor’s 13-second KO. My game plan is to take over South Africa and take over the world.”

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Switching from his mother’s surname (Mphathiswa) to his father’s (Msuthu) after his Eastern Cape initiation was about legacy. “I want to lead my family name forward as a pro fighter.” His nickname, ‘South Side Ninja’, stems from his love for anime, like Naruto, and his fierce, unique style. “I’m a nice guy, love to make jokes, but when I step inside the cage, I’m the ‘South Side Ninja’. I want to kill my opponent.”

With a corrected amateur MMA record of 18-9-0, Msuthu’s accolades include the 2024 BareBones MMA featherweight title and silver medals at the 2024 and 2025 MMA SA National Championships, as well as a bronze in 2023.

His 2024 loss to Veja Hinda for the Versus Featherweight Championship was a wake-up call. “I didn’t feel sad. It was a weight off my shoulders. I went straight back to the gym.” His split-decision win over Bruce Mayasi at the EFC Contender Series on July 24, earned him an EFC contract, though the results are unreleased due to a rumoured reality show.

Even missing the IMMAF World Championships in Doha, due to sponsorship issues, didn’t break him. “I kept my motivation high. There’s a reason it didn’t happen.” Training at Pandamonium FC in Roodepoort, under coaches like Dwayne Meredith, he thrives in a humble community, balancing gruelling sessions with life.

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Msuthu’s pro MMA debut, against Zambia’s Mwele Nkatha at Versus Fight Night on November 1, is personal. “I lost in their country. Now, we’re giving him that loss.”

Before that, he faces Mozambique’s Lucky Hamadzirip at Kickboxing Cup III on September 6, in Vereeniging. “It’s South Africa versus Zimbabwe, and we are going to have fun.” He’s ready to wave the SA flag high.

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