MMA: Usman excited as AKO returns to Abuja

Nigerian-American UFC fighter Kamaru Usman said he is looking forward to an unforgettable show as the African Knockout Championship is set to light up Abuja once again with its second event in the Federal Capital Territory on Saturday, August 31 at the This Day Dome.

Launched in 2020 as a mixed martial arts talent reality TV show, AKO concentrates on African talents, and the AKO Championship was initiated in 2023 as the first pan-African professional boxing and MMA championship.

AKO5 will feature adrenaline-pumping action across various divisions, including featherweight, middleweight, lightweight, and women’s bantamweight, as the AKO Championship playoffs draw near.

Leading the card is a highly anticipated showdown between Abuja’s own Segun Ogunnoiki of Nigeria and Ivory Coast’s star, Yao Marcel, as they vie for a prized spot in the championship playoffs.

Among the electrifying matchups, fans will get to watch Jackiel Anyana, known as “The Smiling Assassin,” against Kudzete Fred in the featherweight division, Cornel Thompson is set to face Uganda’s James Opio in what promises to be a fierce lightweight battle, and Kenya’s Andere Victor squaring off with Morocco’s Faout Youseff.

The spectacular lineup also includes Daniel Iwuoha versus Abdoul Razac Sankara, Yahaya Yahuza Mohammed against Emmanuel Christian in the middleweight division, and Xavier Adams Boa battling Dennis Johnson.

Expressing his excitement for the event, UFC legend and AKO co-owner Usman said, “This event is another significant milestone for African MMA, and I am confident that the fighters will deliver an unforgettable show for the fans. AKO5 is going to be a night to remember. The energy, the fans, and the fights will be electric.”

AKO CEO Natasha Belousova added, “AKO has become a platform for showcasing the incredible talents in African MMA, and we are proud to present AKO5 in Abuja. This event will further solidify AKO’s position as a leading MMA promotion on the continent, providing young talents with an unparalleled opportunity to shine on a global stage.”