In the rapidly growing world of African mixed martial arts, a new name is beginning to attract attention. Believe Oshiakpe an undefeated Nigerian amateur welterweight fighter whose discipline, hunger and rapid growth inside the cage reflect the new wave of home-grown MMA talent emerging from West Africa. Fighting out of Africa Top Team Nigeria, Oshiakpe has put together a promising 4–0 amateur record.
His first win came in October 2024 at the AFC World Series 1 in Abuja, a ground & pound finish in Round 1.
His second came on 19 July 2025 at “Fight Fest 1” in Benin City, where he defeated Victor Obadiah via TKO in Round 2 (2:22). Yet behind the early success lies a journey built on resilience, belief in self, and a relentless desire to push beyond limitations. We at afrocombat.com had an interview with him and in our interview with him, he shared his beginnings, his mindset, and his vision for what’s next in the cage.
What sparked your interest in MMA?
It all started 2 years ago in 2023, I was just watching MMA . Then, I didn’t know anything about MMA until I started watching UFC and my interest developed gradually and I started training.
Before you started doing MMA fight , what style were you fighting, was it wrestling or boxing?
I had no experience in combat as at 2023 until I went to our local stadium I saw there was MMA team, so I decided to join.
How did you hear about AFC, was it through your team at the stadium?
This isn’t the first AFC I fought , and it was introduced to me by my coach.
Have you fought in any other amateur event before apart from AFC?
Yes, my first amateur event was 2023. I started two months into my training, that was August 2023. I also fought this year at “fight fest”
What was your experience like in this last AFC fight , did anything surprise you or you got what you expected?
I actually expected the result. I knew I was going to win. I know fighting is not about strength but confidence. I always make sure I show up with confidence, AFC built the confidence in me.
What do you think about the fighters you fought, how would you rate their skill level?
I was supposed to fight three fights but the third opponent got injured so the fight didn’t happen. The only fight I thought would give me tough time was the first fight I had, because of my opponent’s background and skills but it happened to be the easiest. The first fight built my confidence for the second one.
After you fought and won the first fight, you felt comfortable and had confidence to go into the next fight? Yes I was.
What do you think other fighters need to learn when it comes to MMA?
When it comes to MMA, all fighters not just Nigerian fighters should learn the ground game, though Nigerian fighters lack it more. When the fight goes to the ground, Nigerian fighters’ ground game is zero. I think they should train more on ground game than striking though striking is okay and they should watch other fights to learn more.
What do you think is your plan for the future, do you want to go pro very soon?
If I will go pro, that will be in couple of years to come, then I can think about it. But for now I don’t think so.
What are the challenges you’re facing while training, considering this is Nigeria?
There’s no good place to train for MMA in Nigeria. And another issue is the coach, most of them don’t really understand MMA. There’s a good place for me to train though, but my coach isn’t always available.
If someone wants to do MMA, what would your advice be?
I would advise anyone to do sport, MMA especially. And I’ll advise anyone that wants to do MMA to focus on wrestling.
Thank you for accepting our invite for this interview
Believe Oshiakpe’s rise is a reflection of something bigger happening in African combat sports. A new generation of fighters who are not waiting for permission to become great. They are building their careers brick by brick, through sacrifice, grit, and an unshaken belief in possibility. In a nation where passion often outpaces resources, Oshiakpe stands as proof that talent, when fuelled by discipline and courage, can break through any barrier. His story is still unfolding, but one thing is already clear, he is not just fighting for wins but also for representation, legacy, and the future of Nigerian MMA.
