Nairobi -Two of Kenya’s rising mixed martial arts stars have signed on with one of the continent’s fastest-growing fight promotions and they’re promising to make history.
Ouhsummer Ali Abad, nicknamed “Ninja Turtle”, and George “The Maverick” Itumo will represent Kenya at African Knockout 9 (AKO9) on 13 June in Lagos, Nigeria. It’s a first for East Africa no fighter from the region has ever claimed victory inside the AKO cage.
For Abad, the signing is about more than just personal success.
“This is our chance to show Africa and the world how far East African MMA has come,” he said in an interview at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, where he’s been training ahead of the bout.
His teammate, Itumo, has his sights set even higher.
“The goal is simple dominate Africa, then take on the world. PFL, UFC that’s the dream,” said the 27-year-old, breaking from a sparring session.
The upcoming event, hosted at the Pistis Conference Centre, will feature 18 fighters from across the continent, including representatives from Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, and Egypt. Organisers are positioning it as a flagship showcase of African MMA talent.
“AKO9 is more than an event it’s a statement,” said Rayan Fayad, Chief Operating Officer of AKO. “We’re building a homegrown movement, led by elite African athletes.”
A Rapid Rise for Kenyan Combat Sports
Kenya’s presence in global martial arts has been growing steadily, largely thanks to a new generation of fighters trained at grassroots academies like Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu and One Tribe BJJ.
In February, Kenyan fighters stunned the continent by topping the leaderboard at the AJP Tour Africa Continental Championship in Cairo. The team brought home 13 medals six of them gold. Abad himself won double gold in his division and repeated the feat in April at the AJP World Tour in Qatar, earning him a #7 global ranking in the AJP professional standings the highest ever for a Kenyan athlete.
While Abad has already proven himself on the mat, AKO will be his first test inside a professional MMA cage a different beast entirely.
“It’s a new format, but the mindset is the same,” said his coach, Joseph Muriuki. “Stay sharp, stay focused, and trust the training.”
Eyes on Lagos
Both fighters are deep into their training camp in Nairobi. Nutrition, conditioning, grappling all under tight watch. There’s pressure, yes. But there’s also belief.
“This isn’t just about fighting,” said Itumo. “It’s about putting Kenya on the map.”
The AKO9 matches will be live-streamed on YouTube, with updates and behind-the-scenes content available on Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu’s official Instagram page.
With just over two weeks to go, the message from Nairobi’s fight scene is loud and clear: Kenya is ready.
