Jordan Fongno pulls off stunning upset over Chad Hanekom at AKO 11. The African Knockout promotion returned to Lagos with AKO 11, headlined by a thrilling middleweight matchup between Chad “Superman” Hanekom of South Africa and rising Cameroonian contender Jordan Fongno. The event took place at La Madison Place, and brought high-level professional MMA action to the Nigerian capital.
Hanekom entered the fight with a professional record of 11 wins and 3 losses. The South African veteran has built his career on experience, size, and finishing ability. Most recently, he scored a stoppage win over Abdoulaye Kone at AKO 8 in April 2025, via doctor stoppage in the third round. Prior to that, he earned a first-round submission victory over Cherif Drame at AKO 6 in November 2024. His last professional loss came in 2023, but Hanekom’s combination of skill, and fight IQ makes him a formidable opponent in any matchup.
His opponent, Fongno has been on a winning streak, defeating Memom Kone at AKO 10 in August 2025 by unanimous decision and earning another decision victory at AKO 8 in April 2025 over Sodiq Amao. His sole loss came in January 2023 via TKO. Known for his aggressive style and pace, Fongno entered the fight to make a statement against the seasoned Hanekom in this main-event of AKO 11.
Fongno made his way into the octagon first, followed by Hanekom The fight started with both men feeling each other out. Hanekom came forward aggressively, landing heavy punches and looking to control the center of the cage. Fongno remained calm, using his footwork and quick counters to avoid taking clean shots. Toward the end of the round, Fongno landed a sharp combination that made Hanekom cautious, setting the tone for the rest of the fight.
Round 2 had Fongno began to find his rhythm, mixing leg kicks and punches to keep Hanekom at bay. Hanekom attempted to pressure, but Fongno’s head movement and counters limited his effectiveness. Fongno slipped several shots and landed precise counters that frustrated Hanekom, they both exchanged punches till the last seconds in the round 2.
Round 3 came and it was intense. Hanekom tried to push the pace and force a finish, but Fongno controlled the exchanges with clean, sharp striking. Fongno’s timing and accuracy gave him the upper hand, landing combinations while avoiding major damage. In the final minute, Fongno maintained composure, forcing the judges to award him the victory via split decision. The co-main event also had Dina Osman pulled off a thrilling win over Joy Ebanda Obanla. The women’s 135 lbs bout ended with Osman securing a technical submission via guillotine choke.
AKO 11 Results:
Jordan Cabrel Fongno def. Chard Hanekom via split decision
Dina Osman def. Joy Ebanda Obanla via Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke)
Solomon Yakubu def. Gabriel Karo via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Agoha Iheanyi def. Edmond Akator via Unanimous decision
Emmanuel Lamptey def. Martin Aziba via TKO (Punches)
Peter Onuh def. Stanford Ebere via Decision (Unanimous)
Osoba Pelajah def. Fanghamon Lanan via unanimous decision
Stephen Akintewe def. Jamiu Musa via TKO (punches)
Claudio Tulunda def. Zah Bi Vanie via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
