AKO9: Explosive Fights, Music & Fan Energy Rock the AFRICAN KNOCKOUT Championship

Lagos, Nigeria – June 19, 2025 — The  AFRICAN KNOCKOUT (AKO) Championship delivered another unforgettable night of MMA action at AKO9, held on June 13, 2025, at the Pistis Conference Centre, Lekki. The event brought together elite fighters, vibrant fans, and groundbreaking entertainment for an eclectic celebration of African combat sports.

The action began at the official Face-Off on June 12, where fighters locked eyes and ignited anticipation for their upcoming bouts. In the main event face-off, Jean Do Santos and Emmanuel Nworie delivered a fiery staredown—refusing to break eye contact in a moment that hinted at the war to come.

The energy was equally electric between Richard Muzaan and Israel Mano, with Richard promising an early finish in the co-featured light heavyweight clash. Building on the energy of the AKO9 Face-Off, tensions came to a head inside the cage as top fighters from across Africa competed in nine intense bouts. 

• Main Event (Lightweight Division): Jean Do Santos (Benin Republic) defeated Emmanuel Nworie (Nigeria) via Submission (Triangle Choke). Jean showcased patience and precision, securing a well-timed Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu triangle choke to seal the victory—an effort that earned him Performance of the Night (POTN)

• Co-Featured Event: Richard Muzaan (Nigeria) defeated Israel Mano (Burkina Faso) via TKO at 2:40 of Round 1. A dominant return to form for Muzaan in the Light Heavyweight division

• Andre Mukisi (Angola) defeated Fred Kudzete (Togo) via Unanimous Decision – Featherweight Division 

• Abdul Razac Sankara (Burkina Faso) defeated Daniel Iwuoha (Nigeria) via TKO at 4:55 of Round 2 – Lightweight Division

• Terlumun Doose (Nigeria) defeated Reine Kevine Kengni (Cameroon) via Unanimous Decision – Women’s Bantamweight Division

• Fabian Texas (Nigeria) vs Mahmud Ibrahim (Egypt) in the Middleweight Division was ruled “No Contest” after a protest and following investigation by the UWMMA Federation, due to the fight ending by elbow strikes while the fighter illegally grabbed the fence.

• Styve Essono (Cameroon) defeated Damilare Abdoulrahim (Nigeria) via Split Decision – Light Heavyweight Division

• Chukwumerie Okoli (Nigeria) defeated Ali Abad (Kenya) via KO in just 1:29 of Round 1 – Featherweight Division

• Clelio Diogo (Angola) defeated George Itumo (Kenya) via Unanimous Decision – Bantamweight Division

Before the fights even began, guests and MMA fans engaged in interactive games like the Boxing Machine Game Punch and a ring simulator, challenging friends and testing their own reflexes. A vibrant food and drink court offered guests a chance to relax and recharge while the excitement built.

Adding a historic twist, AKO9 debuted its first Musical Matchup, featuring live performances from King Perryy and Dandizzy during fighter walkouts. As Emmanuel Nworie entered with Dandizzy’s rhythm and Jean Do Santos responded with King Perryy’s lyrical energy, the atmosphere hit a new peak—blending fight culture and Afrobeat in a moment that electrified the entire arena.

“AKO continues to be a powerful launchpad for African fighters. We’ve seen many of our talents go on to compete—and win—in South Africa, Europe, and beyond. AKO9 is proof that African MMA is not just growing, it's thriving. From world-class fights to music and fan engagement, we’re raising the bar every time.”  — Rayan Fayad, COO, African Knockout Championship

The AKO9 experience was made possible with the generous support of the Bank of Industry, Ace Depository, and Fearless Energy Drink. Their continued investment in African MMA is helping shape the future of combat sports on the continent.

For media inquiries, please contact YD Company at yd@yettyd.com.

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About AFRICAN KNOCKOUT (AKO) Championship:

The AFRICAN KNOCKOUT (AKO) Championship is Africa’s premier Mixed Martial Arts organization, championing talent discovery and development across the continent. Co-founded by Kamaru Usman, the first African-born UFC Champion, AKO is creating global pathways for African fighters.