24 years ago few could have guessed that Wentzel Nel, a hyperactive ten-year-old in a children's home, would grow up to become one of the country's most accomplished mixed martial artists. From building his picture-perfect family, to knocking out the king of knockouts Leo Gloss, every step on Nel's journey to becoming the EFC Africa lightweight champion has been a battle against the odds - odds that Nel has overcome with the two traits that define his very being: hard work and commitment.

Nel's MMA passion and frenetic workouts earned him the nickname ‘Animal' early in his career and, like his namesake, he fought tooth and claw for the EFC title. Now that he has dragged the title belt back to his cave and brought his beastly boxing into the open, the obvious question is whether anyone will be brave enough to hunt the Animal...

Wentzel, what is your MMA record?

7 wins, 1 loss.

We know you come from a wrestling and judo background, but when did it all start for you? How long have you been competing and what accomplishments do you have to boast about?

Growing up in a children's home, I realized from a young age that without hard work and commitment you cannot succeed in anything you take on in life. I started wrestling at the age of 10 to control my hyperactivity and fell in love with the sport, which gave me the foundation to be the best that I can be. I was chosen for the South African team but, due to financial circumstances at the children's home, I was never able to compete. Even so, I was ranked top of the Natal region for many years in Greco and freestyle. I fondly remember beating all the top national wrestlers in my weight category, only losing to one competitor who happened to be my best friend, Jacques Russow. I also assisted in coaching Duane van Staden, ranked 7^th in the world, who won the All Africa Games. Judo I did for the love of the sport, I never graded or competed as I was completing my studies and working at the same time.

You have only one blemish on your record, who handed you your loss and what did you learn from that fight?

I lost to Will Bentley. It was my second pro fight and I made the mistake of leaving my head loose when I went in for the takedown. I landed in a guillotine, utilised the wrong counter and that was it. I learnt that you have to make the right decision at the right time; otherwise you pay for your mistakes. That loss has helped me to stay grounded and is there to remind me that one little error can cost you the fight. Whether you fight a champ or a first timer always keep your mind on making the right decisions in the cage!

Which has been your toughest fight and what do you remember about that fight?

Firstly, no fights are ever easy - they may seem easy to people watching but each and every competitor poses their own threat. Even when I've been lucky enough to have s fight end quickly, I've still gone through a lot of mental preparation which takes its toll.

However, I must say my toughest opponent has been Terrence Griessel. That man had heart, he just wouldn't give up! His technique was superb and his ability to absorb punishment round after round was top athlete material. What made that fight even more difficult was that I knew he was a good boxer and that he had excellent jits, but I had never seen him fight before. However the thing that caught me the most off guard was the fact that I started cramping, which had never happened before. I had to adjust so that I could refocus and I think that's when I was caught in the armbar. Even though it was a tight armbar my cramps were worse so it gave my legs a chance to rest, and you must never show your opponent that you are hurt! I escaped the armbar but Terrence is definitely a lightweight contender to look out for.

You made your EFC debut in November and now you are the proud owner of the lightweight strap, what has the journey been like?

Firstly, being able to fight for an organization like the EFC has been a true honour. Competing in front of a crowd that size, against an opponent of such high calibre, at an event that set the standard for SA MMA, was a dream come true. EFC 02 proved to be even bigger and better and when I got the call for EFC 03 and Graeme (Cartmell) asked if I would like to fight for the first lightweight title I was blown away. I couldn't believe that I was being given the opportunity to achieve one of my dreams. The exposure that EFC gave me was awesome; TV, radio and magazine interviews, billboards, posters, I couldn't believe it, at times it was overwhelming. I was living my dream. The people behind EFC Africa have really outdone themselves time and again and have made every drop of my sweat worthwhile. I have faced only the best opponents and I look forward to the rest of my journey with EFC.

What does it mean to you to be the EFC lightweight champion?

I had a lot to prove coming onto the MMA circuit; People said that because I was a wrestler I had no other skills. They said I had no stand up, no jits and all I could do was slam my opponent. Some people even said my wrestling wasn't that good. Hearing all the negative comments fuelled my desire to prove that anything is possible. My title is my proof that every minute of hard work, time away from my family and blood, sweat and tears was worth it. I am proud to be an EFC title holder and am proud that one day my little boy can look back and be proud of what his dad achieved.

Some say a champion is only a true champion once he has defended his title. What are your thoughts on this?

In my opinion every fighter who has the courage to display talent in the cage is a champion. However not every fighter can hold the title, so defending the title makes you the best fighter until you are defeated. Also, the most important part of being a champion is your attitude and humility. These two things will decide whether you are remembered as a great champion or just a title holder.

I think that Chris Bright deserves a shot at the title. He truly is, in my mind, pound for pound the best in the country and it will be an honour to face him regardless of the outcome. It is a huge honour to defend my title agianst him the 21st of October.

In terms of other lightweight opponents, who would you like to fight?

The EFC lightweight division is so full of talent that any one of the fighters would be a worthy opponent. It isn't in my nature to call anyone out, but I am willing to face anyone they put in front of me. I would like to be ranked number 1 by Fighters Only, so I'll fight whoever I need to, to achieve that status.

How do you train and prepare for a fight?

For the past almost two years, since I have been competing on a professional level, I haven't really had the opportunity not to prepare for a fight. I have a vigorous 7 day workout which starts at about 4am which includes 9 hours of work and an hour of family time. I finish training at about 10:30 at night. I try to fit all aspects of MMA into my routine, which is worked out by my coach, depending on who I will be fighting and what my game plan will be. Over and above that I do a lot of conditioning workouts on my own with the help of my good friend and training partner Dillin West. Being off after the title fight has been really good because I have had time to sort out some injuries and spend time with my family. But now it's back to work as usual preparing for my title defence.

You are in great physical condition, how does your nutritional program look?

We definitely push ourselves when it comes to conditioning. The program we have to endure is not for the weak-hearted. When it comes to food my wife ensures that my meals are prepared according to my blood type. I eat a lot of greens, raw fruits and veggies, sweet potatoes, brown rice, chicken and fish and lean red meat. No sugar, no junk food but enough food to sustain my energy levels. Also, my sponsor Muscle Works plays a major role in my micro-nutritional needs. I was losing weight as well as muscle mass due to all the hours of vigorous training before Muscle Works sponsored me with supplements such as glutamine, protein, amino acids, electrolyte replacements, pre- and post-workout supplements. Without them I would probably be fighting at 45kgs!

Who else plays a role in your preparation and training?

Besides my coach and training partners I see Caryn Evennett almost once a week, she is a chiropractor who has been a great help especially in getting my body ready for my title fight. She did an awesome job considering I had very little time to rest my body. Then Shane Rainbird, who does my sports massages to ensure my muscles are in peak condition. And of course thanks to my sponsor Paul Simms, from Mongrel, who sent me on various seminars which enabled me to better my skills.

I have always been one to say that wives, fiancés and girlfriends play a vital role in the life of a fighter, and it seems you are fortunate enough to have a family that understands your needs. Is it difficult to balance fighting with family?

I'm fortunate enough to have a wife that supports and understands that I'm a fighter who works full time and is a father and husband. She is usually unseen but, without her support, I honestly wouldn't be competing at this level. Besides my son, she is the most important person in my life and she somehow puts my needs before hers. She is the one that nurses me when I'm injured, the one that ensures all my meals are ready for the next day, the one who sits in the crowd and worries about the outcome of the fight, and the one who is still my fan even if I lose. Of all the training partners I've had in my life, she is the toughest. She is the unsung hero and I love her to bits, she's my sexy wife!

What are your thoughts on the MMA scene in South Africa?

The promotion companies are really stepping up the game, which means the fighters are now getting a better platform to showcase their talents. A while back there were only a handful of fighters in SA, but today MMA has exploded and no one can say that only a few of the fighters are good; almost everybody competing in MMA today has got outstanding talent and the ability to perform at top level. Given the opportunity to do this sport full time, many of our athletes could compete at international level. I wish I was ten years younger so that when SA MMA reaches its peak I'd be in my prime. The SA athletes that will be competing in the years to come will have the world at their feet.

Anyone else you would like to thank?

Firstly and above all, God, for giving me the talent and opportunity to get where I am today. Before every fight I kneel before the cage and thank God for all he has given me and for making me the man I am.

A big thank you to Nick and Steve from Finstate for their faith in me and financial backing; I am blessed to have them on board. To Mongrel, Paul you have been outstanding as a sponsor. From clothing and fight gear to seminars, you have treated me like a champion from the beginning. To Muscle Works, thanks for all the supplements! To all my other sponsors and the EFC. 

My four head coaches at 10th Planet Jui Jitsu, Durban. My team of training partners for getting me ready for my title defence against Chris (Bright) at EFC Africa 05, 21 October.