By Zim Sport Live Writer
Mixed Martial Arts star Lewis “Porcupine” Mataya will make his long-awaited EFC debut when he faces South African contender Ayanda “The Power” Zwane at EFC 137 on September 10.
The former IMMAF Africa champion has established himself as one of Zimbabwe’s leading mixed martial artists and views the EFC as a crucial stepping stone towards his ultimate ambition of reaching the UFC.
Mataya hopes to follow compatriot Themba Gorimbo into the world’s leading MMA promotion—and go one better by becoming Zimbabwe’s first UFC champion.
His first assignment in Africa’s premier MMA organisation, however, is far from straightforward.
Standing opposite him will be Johannesburg-based Zwane, who has steadily emerged as one of the promotion’s leading contenders.
Training out of Apex MMA South, Zwane has built an impressive record with victories over Emerson Pedro, Emmanuel Sita, Roberto Miyaba and Steven Goncalves, putting himself firmly in the title conversation.
For Mataya, the bout represents an opportunity to announce himself on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
A victory over an established contender would immediately strengthen his credentials and mark an important step towards his long-term UFC aspirations.
The South Africa-versus-Zimbabwe contest forms part of the EFC 137 card, which takes place on Thursday, 10 September.