Nicholas Hwende, aka Gokwe Boy, is the new Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) world bantamweight champion.
The Zimbabwean mixed martial arts fighter (MMA) landed the world championship after beating Brazilian Gian Souza in the championship bout in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Thursday.
The win is a momentous occasion for the Zimbabwean mixed martial arts fighter who Gokwe boy only made his EFC debut in August last year.
Hwende was born and bred in Gokwe, Zimbabwe before he went to South Africa.
He initially started out fighting in South Africa’s Amateur Championships.
After impressing in the amateur championships, Gokwe Boy made his professional debut in the EFC on 14 August 2021.
The Gokwe-born fighter had a memorable debut fight as he defeated South African MMA fighter Themba Mkhize in the second round through a technical knockout.
At the time, Hwende dedicated his win to the people in his home town of Gokwe.
“This win is for the people of Gokwe and all Zimbabweans. I’m here celebrating this victory because of you. If I can make it, you can also make it in life. Just work hard, and you will accomplish,” said Hwende.
“I also want to thank Themba Gorimbo and especially Sylvester Chipfumbu for pushing me to work hard.”
Following his debut win last year, Hwende’s career has grown by leaps and bounds, leading to him being crowned the EFC world bantamweight champion.
After his win on Thursday, the Zimbabwean fighter was named one of the EFC Restonic Performance Bonus winners for putting on “an electrifying show for fight fans.” Restonic Beds, the largest bed manufacturer in Southern Africa, is one of the sponsors of the EFC.
Following his victory, Hwende vowed to stay grounded and to continue working hard to achieve more.
The Zimbabwean MMA world champion wrote,
“The journey continues. #Bantamweight championship. Gotta stay focused like never before….”
