ANZA set to host historic MMA card next month

Anza MMA is preparing for Kenya’s first ever officially sanctioned professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event on 5 December at Broadwalk Mall, Westlands.

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The historic card, which comes after the promotion's Amateur KO Fight Nights, is expected to feature East African MMA royalty, including Kenya's top duo Ouhsummer Ali Abad and George Itumo.

Abad and Itumo, hailing from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ respectively, made their African Knockout (AKO) debuts earlier this year, and are expected to make for a big show.

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The event will have good precedence, following this month's aforementioned event at The Alchemist, which showcased the region’s rising MMA talent, featuring fighters from multiple Nairobi gyms, as well as representation from Kisii, Kisumu and Kampala, Uganda.

Of the 8 fights on the card, only one went the full three rounds and relied on judges’ scorecard, while all other bouts ended in spectacular knockouts or submissions, making the event extremely exciting and packed with highlights.

Fan favourite Hassan Wasswa Muhammed of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy headlined the event, facing a disciplined opponent in Franklin Kimani of the Kenya Defence Forces.

Hassan dominated the fight with a composed performance, ultimately securing a 2nd-round TKO via ground and pound.

Notable performances included the co-main event, where Samuel Laurian of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy defeated Shadrack Otieno of Marine Gym in an exciting three-round battle, a rematch of their October main event in Mombasa.

Rymond Wenendeya of Kampala Grappling Club also impressed fans with a first-round submission victory over James Nasongo, executing a beautiful Darce choke.

A particularly strong performance came from Chanuka Self Defense, whose two fighters, Victor Kiprop and Dennis Nyingi, both finished their opponents early, bringing the gym’s record at Anza to an impressive 5-0.

A highlight of the evening was the presence of David Hirschbein, UFC manager and owner of California’s acclaimed MMA Gold Team, which boasts eight fighters currently on the UFC roster.

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Hirschbein’s visit to Nairobi signaled growing international attention and investment in East African MMA, highlighting the region’s rising talent and potential on the global stage.

Before the event, Hirschbein conducted a seminar on fighter management that was held at the newly opened Açaí Oasis at New Muthaiga Mall, where he shared critical insights with MMA managers and fighters.

While in Nairobi, he also visited MMA Gold’s youth talent development project in Kibera, where children undergo martial arts training under guidance of experienced instructors.

The Fight Night was sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation (KOCSF) and supported by Kenya Originals, whose ongoing efforts continue to grow MMA and combat sports across the region. From thrilling amateur bouts to attracting the attention of top international MMA managers, Anza MMA continues to elevate the MIxed Martial Arts in East Africa, creating pathways for East African fighters to reach the global stage.