The eighth edition of the ANZA MMA Contenders series delivered another landmark moment for mixed martial arts in Kenya and East Africa on Thursday, 30 July 2026, as a completely sold-out crowd packed The Alchemist in Nairobi for what became the promotion’s biggest amateur event to date.
This latest event recorded the highest number of tickets ever sold for an ANZA MMA Contenders event, further cementing the promotion’s position as East Africa’s leading platform for mixed martial arts. Building on the momentum of ANZA MMA’s successful Pro Night event in June, Contenders 8 brought together athletes from Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan, showcasing the exceptional depth of talent emerging across the region.
The evening featured a series of exciting finishes and dominant performances inside the cage. Fight fans were treated to an outstanding main event, where Samuel Laurian defeated Joshua Ojow via TKO in Round 3 after an impressive display of striking and pressure.
Another standout performance came from Norman Mondo, who maintained his undefeated amateur record with a submission victory over Musa Mugamba. Hamza Fahim also continued his impressive run, securing a TKO victory over Diing Chol, while Hassan Jaffar earned one of the night’s quickest finishes with a first-round Triangle Choke submission against Elvis Okello.
The full fight results are as follows:
- Martin Chite (Kenya)defeated Simon Ladu (South Sudan) via TKO (Round 1)
- Hassan Jaffar (Kenya)defeated Elvis Okello (Kenya) via Triangle Choke (Round 1)
- Dennis Nyingi (Kenya)defeated Obonyo Sunday (Uganda) by Decision
- Dickson Aomo (Kenya)defeated Evans Kabura (Kenya) via KO (Round 1)
- M’Marete Munene (Kenya) defeated Hashim Musa (Uganda) by Decision
- Raymond Wenendeya (Uganda)defeated Shadrack Otieno (Kenya) via TKO (Round 2)
- Hamza Fahim (Kenya) defeated Diing Chol (South Sudan) via TKO
- Norman Mondo (Kenya)defeated Musa Mugamba (Uganda) by Submission
- Samuel Laurian (Kenya)defeated Joshua Ojow (Kenya) via TKO (Round 3)
Adding to the atmosphere inside the sold-out venue, the action was brought to life by commentators Joe De Bestt and Alex Holi, whose expert analysis and energetic commentary kept fans engaged throughout the evening.
Athletes representing Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Hardcore Gym Kayole, Kampala Grappling Club, Mombasa Sharks, Triple A Kickboxing Club (Juba), and other leading clubs demonstrated the continued growth and rising standard of amateur MMA across the region.
The event also marked the debut of CHEZA CHEZA as ANZA MMA’s title brand partner, representing an important milestone in the promotion’s continued investment in grassroots talent and the long-term development of mixed martial arts in East Africa.
Speaking after the event, ANZA MMA founder Peng Chen said, “Contenders 8 exceeded our expectations. Seeing a completely full venue and welcoming the biggest crowd we’ve ever had for an amateur event shows how much the sport continues to grow across East Africa. The performances inside the cage reflected the incredible level of talent we have in the region, and we’re grateful to our athletes, coaches, fans, partners, and everyone who continues to support the growth of MMA. The entire fight card delivered an unforgettable night for everyone in attendance and we can’t wait to do this again!”
Since its inception, the ANZA MMA Contenders Series has become East Africa’s premier amateur MMA platform, providing consistent competition and exposure for emerging athletes while creating a clear pathway towards professional competition. With record attendance, world-class performances, and growing commercial support, Contenders 8 marks another significant step in the continued rise of mixed martial arts across the region.
ANZA MMA is East Africa’s premier mixed martial arts promotion and Kenya’s first licensed MMA promotion under the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation. Dedicated to developing regional talent through world-class competition, professional athlete development, and high-quality event production, ANZA MMA is helping drive the rapid growth of mixed martial arts across Africa. In 2025, ANZA MMA made history hosting Kenya’s first professionally sanctioned MMA event, which was followed by ANZA MMA Pro Nights 002 in 2026. Both events brought together elite fighters from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo for competitions that set a new benchmark for combat sports in the region.
