By Adaku Onyenucheya
About 18 elite fighters from Nigeria, Senegal, Morocco, Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon and South Africa have been at their thrilling finest with electrifying Combined Martial Arts (MMA) motion on the African Knockout (AKO) Championship held at The Pistis Convention Centre, Lekki on the weekend.
From the opening bell to the ultimate bout, AKO8 delivered on its promise of electrifying leisure, mixing high-octane fights with immersive fan experiences.
Senegal’s Gasmire Diatta stole the present in the principle occasion, stopping Morocco’s Faout Youssef through TKO to safe Efficiency of the Evening honours and guide a spot within the prestigious AKO featherweight closing.
Diatta’s sharp hanging and unrelenting tempo proved an excessive amount of for Youssef, thrilling the Lagos crowd and sending a transparent message to the remainder of the division.
The co-main occasion between Nigeria’s Venatius Iyinagolu and South Africa’s Xavier Adams Boa ended prematurely when Boa delivered an unlawful headbutt, resulting in a disqualification and handing Iyinagolu the win in weird vogue.
The ladies confirmed no indicators of slowing down as Nigeria’s Osigwe Chidinma Jane earned a unanimous resolution victory over Cynthia Jibidar, whereas Mandar Sanaa edged out Obanla Pleasure Ebanda in one other tight resolution, proving the rising depth and high quality within the ladies’s division.
Different struggle highlights embody Chad Hanekom (South Africa), who secured a TKO over Memon Abdoulaye Kone (Ivory Coast) in a high-powered middleweight conflict, whereas Philemon Jeb Bitrus (Nigeria) dismantled Mathieu Aboya with a brutal first-round TKO within the featherweight division.
Jordan Cabrel Fongno (Cameroon) outpointed Sodik Olawale Amao in a strategic middleweight battle, Emmanuel Nworie completed Kingsley Ajunwa with a TKO at 4:17 of spherical 1 (Light-weight), whereas Lewis Mataya submitted Oluwadamilare Timothy Ayilaran with a Kimura lock simply 1:06 into the opening spherical.
Past the octagon, AKO8 delivered a festival-like ambiance, with followers participating in AI boxing simulations, indulging in top-tier meals and drinks, and bringing vibrant vitality that resonated all through the venue.
The Chief Working Officer of AKO, Rayan Fayad, stated AKO8 confirmed precisely why African MMA is on the rise.
He stated the vitality, the athleticism, and the spirit of the fighters delivered an evening to recollect.
Fayad stated the corporate is proud to supply this platform for African fighters to shine on a worldwide stage.”
