The countdown is on for AKO 10, and this isn’t just another night of fights, it’s a moment that could shift the landscape of African MMA forever.
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Velodrome in Abuja will transform into a center of adrenaline, anticipation, and history as the first-ever African Lightweight Championship takes center stage. Jean Do Santos and Jibrin Baba will step into the cage with one goal: to claim the crown and etch their names into the sport’s legacy.
Jean Do Santos isn’t coming in cold. His performance at AKO 9 on June 13 was nothing short of a masterclass—calm under pressure, sharp in execution, and devastating in the finish. It took him just two minutes and forty-five seconds to dismantle Emmanuel Nworie with a slick submission in the first round. That kind of dominance isn’t accidental; it’s the mark of a fighter who knows exactly what he’s there to do. And now, with gold on the line, expect him to crank that intensity up to another level.
Jibrin Baba stands on the other side, hungry and ready to make his own statement. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and both men understand that the winner won’t just be holding a belt, they’ll be holding the keys to a new era in African MMA. The Velodrome crowd will be unforgiving, the atmosphere charged with cheers, and the raw energy that only a title fight can bring.
What makes AKO 10 even more intriguing is the possibility of surprise matchups on the card. Past events have shown that the promotion loves to throw in curveballs, unexpected rivalries, last-minute challenges, and fighters stepping up to prove they belong in the spotlight. With all eyes on the main event, the undercard could carry some explosive moments of its own.
If you’ve been waiting for a reason to feel the rush, this is it. Two warriors will collide for glory. On August 23 in Abuja, we’re not just getting a fight, we’re getting a revolution. And when it’s over, one name will echo through African MMA for years to come.
