AKO 12 showdown at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos was exactly the kind of explosive, unforgettable fight night fans hoped for. The African Knockout Championship came through with nine high-profile bouts that showcased some of the continent’s best MMA talent, and when the dust settled, new heroes were made and champions stood tall.
From the opening bell to the main event finish, the energy in Lagos was electric. Fighters from across Africa, including Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and beyond, stepped into the cage with something to prove, and they did not disappoint. With former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman on hand to hype the crowd, the fighters delivered performances worthy of the spotlight.
At the top of the card, Senegal’s Gasmire Diatta defended his interim featherweight crown in a gritty war against Algeria’s Farouk Boudissa. Diatta’s toughness and precision pushed him past Boudissa to claim the title and add another big win to his growing resume.
In the co-main spotlight, Nigeria’s own Yahaya “Smile Strong” Yahuza continued his unbeaten run, proving once again that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. He took down Algeria’s Fouad Madani to keep his perfect record intact and leave Lagos buzzing.
In the light heavyweight matchup, Richard Muzaan came out on top against Kassoum Kone, showing strength and strategy throughout their bout. This win keeps Muzaan in the mix as one of the division’s toughest competitors.
Immaculata Nelson picked up a big victory in her 125 lb clash, handing Marie Mengue a tough night in the cage and marking herself as one of the standout women’s flyweights on the card. The bantamweight action was wild. Lewis Mataya used his skillset to defeat Adel Moussaoui, while Clelio Diogo came out ahead against Miezan Prince in one of the card’s most entertaining bouts.
In the heavyweight fight, Kabiru Adediran triumphed over Adama Doumbouya, showcasing power and composure that could set him up for even bigger fights in 2026.
The night also saw Fred Kudzele take down Claudio Tulunda, and Joel Tiffo secure a win over Memom Kone both fighters leaving with important momentum as the new year approaches.
