East Africa’s premier mixed martial arts promotion, ANZA MMA, returned for its 2026 season with its sixth event, which took place on Thursday, 26 February 2026 at The Alchemist, Nairobi, following a highly successful run last year.
The promotion delivered another electrifying night of amateur MMA action and fierce regional rivalries at ANZA MMA Fight Night 006, featuring a stacked fight card showcasing rising stars from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Headlining the night was Kenya’s flyweight sensation Norman Mondo of One Tribe BJJ, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most dangerous young grapplers. The other Kenyan on the main card of the night was Samuel Laurian of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, who took home a hard-fought win against Hashim Musa of Kampala Grappling Club.
The co-main event featured Uganda’s Rymond Wandendeya, who faced Magloire Kayembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, representing Elite Training Center in Lubumbashi, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top MMA gyms and a training ground for MMA fighters. The gym is led by Yadad Moser, who has developed elite African talent that has gone on to compete on major international platforms, including Dana White’s Contender Series.
Isack Ibrahim, Tanzania’s decorated Muay Thai striker with a strong international résumé who is now transitioning fully into mixed martial arts, was also featured on the card and won against Jeanpy Michaelipes, a fighter from Congo’s Elite Training Center who is a well-rounded martial artist and also holds a black belt in Karate, setting up a dynamic stylistic clash between refined striking, traditional martial arts foundations and evolving MMA skillsets.
Official results
•Jonathan Nsubuga (Uganda) won against Clinton Nyabuto (Kenya) (unanimous decision)
•James Nganga won against Shadrack Otieno (unanimous decision) (Both Kenyan)
•Dickson Aomo won against Wayne Achoki (unanimous decision) (Both Kenyan)
•M’Marete Munene won against Dickson Mupe (TKO) (Both Kenyan)
•Dennis Nyingi won against Martin Mwanza (unanimous decision) (Both Kenyan)
•Bobby Kamande won against Martin Chite (unanimous decision) (Both Kenyan)
•Victor Kiprop won against Franklin Kimani (TKO) (Both Kenyan)
•Michael Ntobeko (DRC) won against Warren Mahugu (Kenya) (submission)
•Isack Ibrahim (Tanzania) won against Jeanpy Michaelides (DRC) (KO)
•Samuel Laurian (Kenya) won against Hashim Musa (Uganda) (unanimous decision)
•Magloire Kayembe (DRC) won against Rymond Wanendeya (Uganda) (TKO)
•Norman Mondo (Kenya) won against Paul Angalla (Uganda) (unanimous decision)
Former UFC Light Heavyweight title challenger and Strikeforce Champion Renato “Babalu” Sobral, who was in Nairobi for the grand opening of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s new facility at New Muthaiga Mall, was also in the building as a special guest.
Peng Chen, Founder of ANZA MMA, says: “I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far with ANZA MMA. Our focus has always been on creating meaningful opportunities for martial artists and raising the standard of competition across the region. This progress has been a collective effort, and we are grateful for the partnerships, collaboration and support from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, One Tribe Kenya, Chanuka Self Defence and PFL Africa. As Season Two of our promotion kicks off in 2026, it reflects both the rapid growth of the sport and the exceptional talent emerging from East Africa.”
Season Two of ANZA MMA highlights its role as a proving ground for the next generation of African fighters. With athletes representing Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and DRC, and top gyms across the region, the promotion continues to build a true East African platform for competitive development and international exposure.
About ANZA MMA
ANZA MMA is East Africa’s leading amateur mixed martial arts promotion, committed to developing local talent and elevating the sport across the region through professionally organised, high-level competitive events. In 2025, KO Fight Night by ANZA MMA made history by delivering Kenya’s first-ever professionally sanctioned Mixed Martial Arts event, bringing together top professional fighters from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania for a landmark night of elite competition and world-class production, setting a new benchmark for Kenyan combat sports.
