William Lekana aims to secure three fight win streak in the EFC

Having relocated to Secunda to pursue the life of a professional mixed martial artist at the esteemed Dominators Den gym, Lekana’s journey has been one of significant transformation, both inside and outside the cage.

Looking ahead to his next fight against the battle-hardened Mkhwanazi, “Ragnar” is well aware of his opponent's tactics.

“He likes taking guys down, and he doesn’t like striking as much as I do. So, I know he is going to try and take me down a lot, but although many people regard me as a striker, they don’t know I’m a blue belt as well - that’s my secret weapon," Lekana said.

Lekana’s EFC career got underway with two tough defeats, but he has since followed that up with statement performances against Allistar Kunene and Nicholas Vermaak. 

He reflects on his journey and how he has changed in his approach.

“Those first two fights were difficult, and the results were tough to take, but since then I just told myself to let go of the ‘what if’ and when I step in there now, I just focus on letting go to be in the moment.”

The 29-year-old attributes much of his recent success and growth to the supportive environment at Dominators Den and highlights the prominent role Cedric Doyle has played in his career.

“What makes us special here at Dominators Den is that we aren’t afraid of taking on any challenge. As for Cedric Doyle, he has been there for me in a lot of ways, job-wise, spirituality-wise, and he made me the fighter I am today.”

The Secunda-based warrior told SABC Sport that he predicts a second-round finish when he steps into the cage again, and a KO victory on June 4 will likely produce a matchup with one of the other top contenders in the fiercely competitive bantamweight division.