ANZA MMA returns to The Alchemist in Nairobi on 29 October 2026, with ANZA Contenders 9, an 11-fight card showcasing some of Kenya’s most exciting emerging mixed martial arts talent alongside fighters from across East Africa. Doors open at 6pm, with the first fights scheduled for 7pm.
Following a sold-out professional event in September that attracted more than 1,000 fans, ANZA continues to expand opportunities for amateur fighters to compete, develop their skills and progress towards professional MMA careers. Contenders 9 brings together a competitive lineup of athletes eager to make their mark in the cage.
At the top of the card, Kenya’s Norman Mondo takes on Martin Chite in a flyweight main event featuring two of the country’s most exciting amateur prospects. Both fighters are high-level grapplers who excel across all aspects of MMA, setting the stage for a fast-paced contest expected to deliver speed, scrambles and action wherever the fight goes.
In the featherweight co-main event, ANZA fan favourite Samuel Laurian returns to face Olanya Richard in a highly anticipated matchup. Known for his explosive style, relentless aggression and powerful takedowns, Laurian has repeatedly brought the crowd to its feet and will be looking to deliver another memorable performance.
Also stepping into the cage is Asad Abdulkadir, making his highly anticipated MMA debut following his return to Kenya from Sudan and Oman. A highly regarded MMA competitor, Asad faces Amos Eboso, a power boxer making his fourth appearance in the ANZA MMA cage.
Hamza Fahim also returns to action, facing Joshua Ojow in a featherweight bout as he looks to continue his impressive run after recording two finishes in his previous ANZA appearances.
The undercard features a compelling lightweight matchup between Shadrack Otieno and Mohamed Salim. Salim brings international competition experience from MMA Dar, alongside training experience in Saudi Arabia. The remaining bouts feature fighters from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, highlighting the growing depth of MMA talent across the region.
ANZA Contenders 9 card
MAIN CARD
- Norman Mondo (KE) – Martin Chite (KE)
- Samuel Laurian (KE) – Olanya Richard (UG)
- Joshua Ojow (KE)- Hamza Fahim (KE)
- Asad Abdulkadir (KE) – Amos Eboso (KE)
PRELIMS
- Shadrack Otieno (KE)- Muhammad Salim (TZ)
- Hassan Jaffar (KE) – Simon Okwera (UG)
- Alex Njathi (KE)- Dickson Mupe (KE)
- Zach Chira (KE) – Edgar Ngua (KE)
- Abdirahman Swaleh (KE) – Kazwenge Kayebe (TZ)
- Bryan rai (KE) – Martin Mwanza (KE)
- Jace Ndegwa (KE) -Maina Morgan (KE)
For ANZA founder Peng Chen, Contenders is about more than putting on individual fight cards. It is about creating a platform where the next generation of African fighters can develop their skills, compete regularly and progress towards professional MMA.
“ANZA Contenders is about giving fighters the opportunity to prove themselves,” says Peng Chen, founder of ANZA MMA. “We want to create a platform where the best emerging fighters in Kenya and across the region can compete regularly, develop their skills and ultimately make the transition into professional MMA. The level of talent on this card shows just how quickly the sport is growing in East Africa.”
Through regular competition and professional development opportunities, ANZA aims to help emerging fighters gain the experience needed to advance their careers and compete at higher levels of the sport. Contenders 9 reflects this commitment, bringing together developing athletes in an environment designed to test their abilities and prepare them for future opportunities.
The event is supported by Cheza Cheza, a key partner with prominent branding across the event and promotional campaign, helping ANZA connect Kenyan fight fans with live combat sports. The event is powered by Hustle Sasa, with additional support from Acai Oasis, Anyiko PR and other partners contributing to the growth of MMA in Kenya.
Tickets are available online at anzamma.hustlesasa.shop, with prices as follows:
- Phase 1 — KES 500
- Phase 2 — KES 750
- Phase 3 — KES 1,000
- VIP — KES 3,000
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.
