The African Fighting Championship (AFC) is on a mission to make Abuja the beating heart of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Africa. Co-founders Raad Aswani and George Oladipupo Younes took a major step towards this vision on Saturday, October 26th, at AFC 001, held at the National Stadium’s Velodrome. The event, organized in collaboration with the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), electrified fans and fighters alike, setting a new standard for MMA in Nigeria.
In partnership with NMMAF, led by President Ambassador Henry George, the AFC 001 event showcased a powerful alliance aiming to elevate MMA in the region. Ambassador George expressed his excitement for this collaboration, saying, “The AFC represents the future of MMA in Nigeria, and we’re thrilled to support this journey.” Through events like AFC 001, NMMAF and AFC are paving the way for local talent to compete on an international scale.
AFC 001 brought together over 20 fighters in 11 intense bouts, featuring talents from across Africa, including Nigeria’s Jeb Philemon, Cameroon’s Ayinde Octave, and Burkina Faso’s Abdul Razak. The crowd was particularly moved by a memorable moment of sportsmanship: after a fierce round, one fighter raised his opponent’s hand in recognition, capturing the respect and unity AFC strives to foster.
Adding another layer of excitement, the AFC 001 event hosted the live-action filming of the final combat scene for the upcoming action movie Battles. Produced by Chioma Ezeani and directed by Chukwuka Ndife, Battles blends gripping storytelling with meticulously choreographed fight scenes. The climactic showdown featured lead character Nkeanyi (played by Chioma Ezeani) facing off against the formidable Bolu the Bull (played by Ivie Okujaye) in front of the live AFC audience. This collaboration allowed the film to capture the high-stakes atmosphere of a real MMA event, promising fans an intense and authentic cinematic experience. Battles, set to release in 2025, delves into themes of resilience and personal struggle, bringing an inspiring narrative to life.
Distinguished attendees included Ambassador Mary Onyali, representing former Sports Minister Hon. Sunday Dare, who shared her enthusiasm for the event, saying, “I was completely captivated by the event.” Her praise echoed the sentiment that AFC is elevating MMA and inspiring the next generation in Nigeria.
For Aswani and Younes, AFC 001 was the fulfillment of a vision to create a world-class platform for African fighters. “We’ve always believed that Africa has the talent and drive to produce world-class fighters,” Younes said. With plans to continue hosting major events, AFC is solidifying Abuja’s status as Africa’s MMA capital, bringing together talent, passion, and unity in the cage.
Stay tuned for more from AFC and Battles, as both are set to make waves, inspiring fans across the continent and beyond.
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