36 Fighters Battle as Usman’s African Knockout Launches in Nigeria

The stage is set for 36 mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters from 14 African countries for Usman Kamaru’s African Knockout Championship (AKO), which kicked off at the SOL Beach in the Victoria Island area of Lagos on Friday.

The championship, which aims to support the growth of MMA in Africa by creating a sustainable model for the sport’s development, will run until the end of the year.

The organisers, 54 Limited, made this known during a press briefing on Thursday ahead of the game, noting that this will provide resources and a platform for young African fighters to showcase their skills on a global stage.

According to the organisers, this move marks a significant milestone in AKO’s mission to promote MMA in Africa and provide a platform for young fighters to showcase their skills on a global stage.

“Our goal is to promote MMA in Africa and provide a platform for young fighters to showcase their skills on a global stage. We are committed to empowering African fighters by providing them with the necessary resources to succeed,” says Natasha Belousova, the CEO and Co-founder of 54 Limited.

“With our continental championship format this season, we intend to create a sustainable model for MMA in Africa that will benefit the fighters and contribute to the sport’s growth and development on the continent,” she added.

While noting that Mixed Martial Arts is a rapidly growing industry globally, with millions of fans and athletes competing at various levels, Belousova highlighted that the sport had become a mainstream phenomenon with a significant following worldwide.

“Nigeria, in particular, has emerged as a hotbed for MMA talent in recent years, with fighters like Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya becoming UFC champions and inspiring a new generation of fighters,” she expressed.

According to the CEO, the goal is to unlock global partnerships to create jobs and opportunities for young African athletes by developing a thriving MMA scene on the continent.

“Knockout is one technique that brings fighters to the win, which crowns the best and the most spectacular fighter. This platform helps the fighters demonstrate and display their best skills.

“We will expand to more countries. We are discovering more talents, and they can continue on bigger platforms after here,” she told THISDAY.

According to the Director of Africa Knockout Championship, Ryan Fahad said, part of the plan is to build and develop the sports of MMA in Nigeria and Africa. “Africa’s talents are very much underserved in MMA, the fastest-growing sport in history,” she outlined.

For Fahad, AKO is showcasing and promoting African talents in MMA. Thus, there is a need for MMA fighters and enthusiasts to train hard and have the mentality of a champion like Kamaru Usman, the Ultimate Fighting Champion (UFC).

On his part, the UFC Legend and African Knockout Founder, Usman, is excited that for the first time, 36 warriors representing 14 African countries converge on Lagos to determine the inaugural African AKO Champion.

Among the fighters are Cherif Drame from Benin Republic, Daniel Emeka and Jibrin Inuwa Baba from Nigeria, and Mohammed Juma from South Sudan, among others.