Momentum is building for the 10th edition of the African Knockout (AKO) Championship, with several African countries, including Senegal, Liberia, Algeria, and Nigeria, among others, represented. This is following Thursday’s official weigh-in and press conference at the Abuja Continental Hotel, which drew leading figures from sports and government. In attendance were Alhaji Shehu Dikko, Chairman of Nigeria’s National Sports Commission; AKO President and UFC Champion, Kamaru Usman; dignitaries; and international delegates, all signalling the significance of this milestone edition.
Addressing the press, Alhaji Shehu Dikko highlighted the economic and social impact of events like AKO 10. He said, “You can’t help sport without also helping the economy, and nights like this prove it. From the athletes to the media to the crews working at the venue, so many people benefit. They earn, they support their families, and that is the sports economy in action. This is why Nigeria is committed to hosting more international tournaments across different sports. It builds talent, creates jobs, and inspires the next generation.”
Echoing the theme of growth, AKO President Kamaru Usman stressed the importance of building African MMA from the grassroots. He remarked, “This is not just about staging an event; it is about doing it the right way. We’re working with the Sports Commission and with partners across Africa to make sure MMA grows from the schools and the communities upward. That way, we’re not just giving fighters a platform. We’re giving them a pathway, with the right systems, safety, and opportunities to build real careers.”
With the press conference complete, the fighters now shift focus to Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 7 PM, when the Velodrome in Abuja will host Africa’s biggest MMA night yet.
The Lightweight Title clash had the crowd buzzing as Benin Republic’s Do Santos and Nigeria’s Jibrin Baba locked eyes in a tense showdown. In the Featherweight division, Senegal’s Gasmir Diatta and Angola’s Andre Mukisi promised nothing short of fireworks with their fiery standoff. The energy peaked when Nigeria’s Jane Osigwe went head-to-head with Morocco’s Mandar Sanaar in the Women’s Bantamweight face-off, setting the stage for a continental clash, giving fans a thrilling sneak peek into the electrifying battles that await at the Velodrome this Saturday.
The other card for thrilling matchups on Saturday includes Lewis Mataya vs Prince Miezan (Middleweight), Yahuza Yahaya vs Cherif Drame (Middleweight), Cabrel Fongno vs Memon Kone (Bantamweight), Melvin Ugochukwu vs Fouad Madani (Featherweight), Chukwuemere Okoli vs Farouk Boudissa, and Joy Obanla vs Theresa Ajiboye (Women’s Bantamweight).
Fans attending live can expect a red-carpet opening, world-class production, and electrifying walkouts. For those at home, AKO 10 will also be broadcast live on SuperSport, expanding the reach of African MMA to millions across the continent.
This landmark edition is powered by Fearless Energy Drink (Official Drink Sponsor), Bank of Industry (Official Sponsor), Ace Global (Official Sponsor), and Abuja Continental Hotel (Official Partner).
For Sponsorship & Partnership: hello@theakoshow.com
For Media Inquiries: YD Company | yd@yettyd.com
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