Date of Birth: 14 February 1997
Place of Birth: Windhoek, Namibia
Nickname: Veja
Weight Class: Featherweight/Bantamweight
Tell us, what inspired you to become a mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter and how has the journey been so far?
I started partaking in MMA because of the fear of being bullied, considering the fact that I am not the tallest nor the strongest person. I immediately fell in love with the sport, which was not my intention, but I’m loving every moment of it now.
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on your career?
I would say it is both my father and my coach. They push me to realise my greatest potential.
This year, you competed at the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Africa Championships in South Africa, where you scooped the country’s only gold medal in the featherweight category. How would you describe that experience?
It’s difficult to put my thoughts and feelings into words but if I should describe it in one word, I would say it was an extraordinary feeling.
Having won your first major medal at this year’s IMMAF Africa Championships, how do you plan on building on that success going forward?
I think it is quite simple; I just have to stay focused, disciplined and motivated and I know the rest will fall in place.
You also qualified for this year’s IMMAF World Championships in Abu Dhabi. What are your expectations and how big of an opportunity is this for you?
I’m expecting the level of competition to be high, considering that this is where the best of the best from around the world come together and compete. This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me and I am grateful for this chance to show the world that Namibia is a force to be reckoned with in MMA.
Being a rising MMA star, what would you say are some of the biggest challenges faced by young fighters like yourself?
I would say the biggest challenge is staying disciplined. Many a time, one would want to go hang out at nightclubs and consume alcohol, which is detrimental to your health and fitness. Discipline remains the challenge, but it must be maintained for one to succeed.
What would you say has been your biggest career achievement as an MMA fighter?
This year’s IMMAF African Championships has been my only MMA competition, so I would say that this has been my biggest achievement so far.
What has been some of your career disappointments?
So far, I have not had any disappointments in my career, and hopefully it stays that way for a very long time.
The MMA sport is still in its infancy in Namibia, although it is a big deal globally. What do you think the country should do to catch up with the rest of the world?
The country needs to invest in this sport just as much as they do with boxing, athletics and all the other sports in Namibia. We have shown the country that we are capable by bringing home three medals in our very first international competition. Imagine what the future holds for this country if more is invested in MMA and its development.
How would you describe the current state of MMA sport in Namibia?
MMA is still a growing and developing sport in Namibia, people don’t really understand what the sport is actually about. Many believe it’s just barbaric, considering the fact that competitions are held in an octagon. But more has to be done to change that perspective, and I will contribute to that change.
Now a fully-fledged law graduate, how do you balance a demanding sports life with your academic aspirations?
I actually just graduated from law school last month. It was very challenging to be honest. At the moment, I’m focusing a lot more on my sports and eventually, I will have something to fall back to when I no longer want to compete one day.
Generally, what keeps you motivated as an athlete?
I just remember the reasons why I started what I do, and that is to be the greatest of all time. That’s what keeps me going!