East Africa gets first structured amateur combat sports league

Dar es Salaam-based fighter Henrik Jebsen (left) faces Uganda's Osman Idris in the welterweight division at KO Fight Nights, East Africa’s first amateur combat sports showcase, at The Alchemist, Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

East Africa is getting its first structured amateur mixed martial arts (MMA) league, giving local fighters a chance to compete professionally.

On Sunday, they showcased their skills at KO Fight Nights’ second event at The Alchemist, Nairobi.

Dar es Salaam-based Henrik Jebsen won the welterweight main bout against Uganda’s Osman Idris by technical knockout. Other winners included Samuel James, Mondo Norman, Rymond Bach, Amos Nsubuga and Hassan Wasswa Muhammed. Two fights ended in draws.

The bi-monthly series, organised by ANZA MMA and sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation (KOCSF), provides a professional environment for amateur fighters, developing talent across the region.

“Having more amateur and pro events in East Africa will be very helpful for the sport. Local gyms are where the talent comes from. At a jiu-jitsu academy, a wrestling gym, a Muay Thai gym, this is where people get interested in combat sports,” observed Professor Júlio de Souza, co-founder of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy (NJJA).

Brian Munyi, MMA commissioner of KOCSF, explained, “This is a huge step forward for MMA in the region. For the first time, we’re creating a structured high-quality platform that supports local fighters from the ground up.”

The league offers amateur fighters a path to professional competition while connecting fans with emerging regional talent.

 Fighters compete under safety-focused rules, including protective gear, short rounds and limited strikes.

“We’re incredibly excited to support KO Fight Nights and be part of this movement to build up MMA in Kenya and across East Africa,” noted Alexandra Chappatte, CEO of Kenya Originals.

“This platform blends sport, culture and community in a bold and authentic way,” he added.

KO Fight Nights plans to hold events across multiple cities in Kenya and East Africa, producing matches to international standards and spotlighting elite-level amateur fighters.

Organisers aim to eventually host professional bouts, with the first pro event scheduled for December.

“The first measure of success is to make sure all the fighters are safe after their bouts,” observed de Souza, adding, “The second is entertainment, to see that the crowd enjoyed it and people love to watch the fights.”