EFC featherweight fighter set for 2019 return

Nienaber has enjoyed some promising runs before his break and was involved in bouts that brought him closer to the featherweight championship.

Barend Nienaber. Photo: Anton Geyser/ EFC Worldwide.

Boksburg’s EFC featherweight striker Barend Nienaber says professional commitments have prevented him to fully focus in MMA and is eyeing a return to the hexagon next year.

The man, fondly known as ‘BB Gun’ around MMA circles, last featured in an EFC hexagon in August last year in a loss against Sandile Manengela.

It was a result which left his professional record at 5-5 (five wins and five losses).

“I’m still training every day but I will only fight again next year as with work I’m doing very well and can’t commit to a full training camp,” said Nienaber.

But winning it on his return would be some task with king of the division and featherweight champion Igeu Kabesa (11-1), looking seemingly unbeatable.