Namibian mixed martial artist Veja Hinda is set to make his professional MMA debut tonight at EFC 126, hosted at the WSB EFC Arena in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

Hinda will face South Africa’s Ash Zola in a flyweight division clash, with both athletes looking to make a statement early in their professional careers.

The bout is scheduled for three rounds under the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) promotion — one of Africa’s leading MMA organisations. 

Fighting out of Kosoto MMA in Windhoek, Hinda, the 2022 African IMMAF Champion and 2023 Namibia Sportsman of the Year, is no stranger to pressure. His journey from dominating Africa’s amateur scene to claiming the Versus MMA Amateur Featherweight title has now led him to the bright lights of the EFC stage.

While known for his striking flair and precision, those close to Hinda know that his evolution as a fighter runs deeper. “People overlook his grappling and submission game. He’s a complete martial artist now, sharp, focused and dangerous everywhere,” says Kosoto MMA co-owner and teammate Geraldo Bok. 

Bok added that Hinda spent part of his fight camp training at the prestigious PFA gym in Cape Town, “a move that sharpened his skill set and exposed him to world-class talent ahead of the biggest fight of his life.”

Hinda, who has been steadily climbing the amateur ranks, expressed confidence heading into his debut.

 “I am in great spirits, feeling confident, and very well prepared. The weight cut went smoothly, and I am ready to put on a show,” he said ahead of the fight.

While his debut adds excitement to the undercard, the main event promises fireworks, as there will be a flyweight title bout between reigning champion Willie van Rooyen and dangerous challenger Anatolie Gafin. 

This title fight pits Van Rooyen’s technical precision against Gafin’s raw power and unpredictability, a recipe for a potential fight of the night. Former bantamweight champion Gift Walker returns to the cage to face Sibusiso Sovendle in what EFC is calling one of the most electrifying bantamweight matchups in recent memory.  -lmupetami@nepc.com.na