The next chapter in African combat sports unfolds on August 17, 2025, as KO Fight Nights returns to The Alchemist, Nairobi, for its second explosive event.
This groundbreaking bi-monthly amateur MMA series is organised by ANZA MMA, marking Kenya’s first officially licensed Mixed Martial Arts event and the region’s first structured amateur MMA league.
Fight fans can expect fireworks at the upcoming event, with a stacked card featuring some of the most promising amateur fighters in the region. Among the standouts is the dangerous Lorenzo Caldarelli (Rwanda), who made an unforgettable debut at ANZA MMA, submitting his opponent in under two minutes of the first round.
Also returning is Hassan Wasswa Muhammed of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, following his explosive TKO victory at the previous event – one of the night’s most talked-about performances.
KO Fight Nights is quickly becoming the proving ground for East Africa’s top rising MMA talent, drawing contenders from across the region and setting a new standard for combat sports on the continent. This upcoming event will be officially sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation, the national regulatory authority for martial arts, ensuring the highest standards of safety and professionalism.
Brian Munyi, MMA Commissioner of the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation, is ecstatic about the advancement of MMA. He says: “This is a huge step forward for MMA in the region. For the first time, we’re creating a structured, high-quality platform that supports local fighters from the ground up. This will build the future of African MMA.”
This pioneering initiative is a major milestone for the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), providing a professional environment for developing athletes and addressing the urgent need for grassroots sport infrastructure in one of the world’s fastest-growing disciplines.
In addition to the support of ANZA MMA, Kenya Originals is also on board with bridging the first professional MMA team in the region to life at the Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy – a major milestone for the martial arts scene in East Africa.
KO Nights full fight card
Alexandra Chappatte, CEO of Kenya Originals, says: “We’re incredibly excited to support KO Fight Nights and be part of this movement to build up MMA in Kenya and across East Africa. We believe in supporting local talent and this platform is a powerful expression of that commitment – blending sport, culture and community in a bold and authentic way,” adding, “We’re also proud to sponsor the Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s pro team, supporting their athletes with the structure, training, and visibility needed to thrive at the highest level.”
MMA has exploded in popularity globally, yet East African fighters have long lacked local platforms to gain experience and visibility. KO Fight Nights is designed to fill that gap, offering amateur fighters a path to professionalism, while connecting fans with the next generation of champions. With each bout, KO Fight Nights cements its role as a launchpad for the next generation of African MMA champions.
The fight series will travel to multiple cities in Kenya and East Africa, with events produced to international standards and curated to deliver both competitive excellence and fan engagement. Each event will spotlight elite-level amateur matchups while cultivating a community around the sport.
Tickets are now available on HustleSasa.
