Nienaber is listed to face the tough Alain Ilunga in what will be his debut in the lightweight division.
This follows a spell out of the fighting spotlight.
The Advertiser caught up with him ahead of his imminent return to the hexagon.
- The Advertiser asked:
You were planning to move up to the lightweight division. Is it official?
Lightweight is official. I like to challenge myself with new goals.
What’s on the line in the fight?
I’m taking each fight as it comes, so I’m fighting to prove myself in the lightweight division.
How are preparations going?
Training every aspect of the game… Training to take the fight anywhere.
Can fans expect anything different from you?
Much more power at lightweight, so watch out for some heavy hands.
It’s been quite a while since you last featured in the hexagon. What have you been up to?
Taking some time off, concentrating on ‘the office job’.
When we spoke to you earlier this year, you told us that one of your resolutions for the new year is to manage your weight better. How’s that going?
Weight is always an issue. Even going up a weight class. The weight cut is a fight on its own, but a fight I always win.
What’s your mindset going into the fight?
Enjoying myself, having fun doing what I love and getting my hand raised at the end of the fight.
Alain Ilunga is a very tough competitor. Would you say he’s your biggest challenge yet?
I would say he is definitely one of my biggest challenges.
Why did you switch to lightweight?
I like to challenge myself and set new goals.
I’d also just like to thank my team and coach for the effort they put in with me during the fight camp. I’d also like to thank my sponsors and supporters – without them it wouldn’t be the same. – @SabeloBoksburg
