Kamaru Usman’s legendary AKO is joined by Kenya’s best MMA fighters in historic debut bouts

The Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Pro MMA Team is pleased to announce that George “The Maverick” Itumo and Ouhsummer Ali Abad, also known as “Ninja Turtle,” two of Kenya’s best MMA fighters, have formally joined AFRICAN KNOCKOUT (AKO). On June 13, 2025, at 6 PM, the pair will make their eagerly awaited premiere at the Pistis Conference Center in Lagos, Nigeria.

The top mixed martial arts promoter in Africa, AKO, is co-owned by Nigerian UFC legend Kamaru Usman and attracts viewers from all over the continent and beyond. For Kenyan and East African combat sports, Ouhsummer Ali Abad and George Itumo’s impending debut represents a significant turning point. Now that all the procedures have been finished, both boxers are in Nairobi for a rigorous training camp in anticipation of their much awaited AKO debut.

“Being signed to AKO is a great opportunity to show Africa and the world the level East African MMA reached in the past few years,” says Ouhsummer Ali Abad. “The plan is to dominate the African MMA scene before moving into the biggest world leagues like PFL and UFC,” George Itumo adds in reference to their goal.

18 fighters from all across Africa, including those from Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, and Egypt, will compete in this eagerly awaited event. They are all ready to establish their supremacy in the competitive AKO ring.

“AKO9 is a daring statement about the future of African MMA, not just some event. We’re not just putting on a show—we’re starting a movement with our unmatched enthusiasm, top-tier athletes, and top-notch production,” said Rayan Fayad, COO of AKO.

There has never been an East African fighter to declare victory inside the AKO cage, but that is about to change. In addition to competing, George and Ouhsummer are positioned to create history by proudly representing Kenya and East Africa and seeking to rule on one of the most prominent stages in African mixed martial arts.

2025 has witnessed a notable surge in Kenya’s martial arts scene, propelled by a committed group of combatants from One Tribe BJJ and Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy. The group has performed admirably in Qatar, Egypt, and Uganda. Team Kenya won 13 medals, including six golds, at the AJP Tour Africa Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Cairo in February, making them the top-ranked African team. Ouhsummer Ali Abad led the charge with double gold and a commanding performance. In April, he won back-to-back doubles at the AJP World Tour in Qatar, continuing his winning run. Because of his accomplishments, he is now ranked #7 in the AJP worldwide professional rankings, which is the greatest rating ever for a Kenyan athlete.