Kenya’s First Professional MMA Event: KO Fight Night by ANZA MMA
ANZA’s KO Fight Night On Friday, December 5, 2025, MMA created history by hosting the first-ever professionally sanctioned Mixed Martial Arts event in Kenya at Nairobi’s Broadwalk Mall. Following the growth of the amateur MMA scene in the area, ANZA hosted a historic night of elite competition and top-notch production that had never been seen in Kenyan combat sports before, bringing together elite professional fighters from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Every competitor entered the cage wanting to make a statement, and every fight ended in a decisive finish, making the sold-out venue electrifying from beginning to end. A top-notch live stream that featured top-notch production, staging, lighting, and broadcast standards allowed fans who watched online to enjoy the event as well. Expert commentary from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and co-founder of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy Julio DeSouza and dynamic hosting by Alex Holi boosted the broadcast and further cemented the event’s professional caliber.
Top entertainment heavyweights from Kenya, such as Savara, Octopizzo, and Boutross, attended the event. In between bouts, Nviiri the Storyteller and Boutross wowed the crowd with live performances. The event established a new standard for combat sports in Kenya and East Africa by skillfully fusing elite sport with top-notch entertainment.
With commanding first-round wins on the main card, Kenyan sensations Ouhsummer Ali Abad, George Itumo, and Kelvin Odongo lit up the arena. Odongo received the KO of the Night bonus for his outstanding performance. Tanzanian fighters: Rashidi Mlegelo and Dauda Rajabu both gave strong performances; Rajabu was named Submission of the Night.
Global MMA organizations, including as AKO and UFC PFL, which keep an eye on East Africa’s quickly developing talent, were drawn to the event because of its professionalism. As a demonstration of PFL Africa’s involvement in ANZA MMA and nurturing local talent, Daniel Kijo, Director of Marketing & Operations, was also present.
MAIN CARD RESULTS
- Ouhsummer Ali Abad “Ninja Turtle” (Kenya) defeated Stephen Rackara (Uganda) – Round 1 TKO (Ground & Pound) – Featherweight
- George Itumo (Kenya) defeated Joel Ssemanda (Uganda) – Round 1 TKO (Ground & Pound) – Bantamweight
- Kelvin Odongo (Kenya) defeated Jonani Tugume (Uganda) – Round 1 TKO (Strikes) – Heavyweight
- Dauda Rajabu (Tanzania) defeated Farouk Ogwal (Uganda) – Round 1 Submission (Triangle Choke) – Flyweight
PRELIMS RESULTS
- Rashidi Mlegelo (Tanzania) defeated Justin Okot (Uganda) – Round 1 Submission (Rear Naked Choke) – Featherweight
- Annet Rose Kiiza (Uganda) defeated Rael Ashubwe (Kenya) – Round 2 TKO (Ground & Pound) – Flyweight
- Moses Musisi (Uganda) defeated Joakim Ikalakala (Kenya) – Round 2 Submission (Mother’s Milk) – Welterweight
KO Fight Nights by ANZA MMA established a new level for MMA events in East Africa with a full card of finishes, an enthusiastic audience at Broadwalk Mall, and a broadcast production that matched worldwide standards.
“Tonight was a historic moment not only for ANZA MMA but also for Kenya and East African combat sports,” expressed ANZA MMA founder Peng Chen. The nation demonstrated its readiness for top-tier professional MMA when the athletes gave performances of the highest caliber and the spectators supplied energy that will never be forgotten. “Next year, fans can expect to see more ANZA MMA amateur and pro fights in Nairobi and other parts of the country,” the statement continued. “We are so grateful to all the fighters, the whole combat sports community, and the media fraternity for being supportive and collaborative. This has been instrumental in our journey towards building the sport of MMA in Kenya and East Africa.”
