Former EFC contender Ayanda Zwane has opened up about his decision to step back into the Octagon following his controversial loss at EFC 137.

“Honestly, I was frustrated and disappointed,” said Zwane. “I put a lot into this sport, and losing that fight was difficult to accept. In that moment, I felt like I had given so much to MMA, and I started questioning whether it was all still worth it. Leaving my gloves in the Hex was an emotional decision, and at that point, I genuinely felt like I was done, but deep down, the fighter in me was still there.”

Time away changed his perspective. “I had time to think, reflect, and speak to the people closest to me. I realised that I wasn’t ready to walk away from the sport like that. I still have goals I want to achieve, records I want to build, and a legacy I want to leave in the EFC featherweight division. Coming back isn’t just about proving people wrong; it’s about proving to myself that I still have more to give.”

Looking back at the Mataya fight, Zwane takes full responsibility. “I believe I had my moments in that fight, and there were things I did well, but ultimately, I didn’t do enough to convince the judges that I deserved the win,” he said. “I’ve looked at what I could have done differently, and I’ve taken those lessons into this camp.”

Zwane will face Yaseen Adams, who enters the bout undefeated at 4-0-1. “He’s undefeated, he’s hungry, and he clearly believes in himself. I respect that,” Zwane said. “I’m preparing for the best version of Yaseen, and, on November 5, he’ll have to deal with someone who has a lot more to fight for than just keeping his record clean.”

This training camp has felt different for Zwane. “I’ve had to remind myself why I started fighting in the first place and reconnect with that hunger,” he said. “Coming so close to walking away has made me appreciate the opportunity to compete again. I’m not taking this fight or this career for granted.”

Zwane sees the Adams fight as another step towards an EFC featherweight title shot. “After this fight, it will be my 14th fight in EFC, and I honestly believe I’ve done enough to earn that opportunity,” he said. “How many fights must a person have before they get a title shot? I’m ready to fight for the belt, and I want Faeez Jacob.”

A win on November 5 would mean more than just another victory. “It would show that I made the right decision by coming back,” he said. “It would prove that the disappointment at EFC 137 didn’t break me and that I still belong among the best fighters in this division.”

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