East Africa’s Rising MMA Stars Shine at ‘Anza KO Fight Nights’ in Nairobi as UFC Manager David Hirschbein Attends

East Africa’s mixed martial arts (MMA) scene reached new heights on November 6 as the Anza KO Fight Nights returned to The Alchemist in Westlands, Nairobi, delivering a thrilling evening packed with knockouts, submissions, and international attention.

The event, organized by Anza MMA and sanctioned by the Kenya Oriental Combat Sports Federation (KOCSF), brought together top amateur fighters from across Kenya and Uganda. Represented were gyms from Nairobi, Kisii, Kisumu, and Kampala, all eager to showcase the explosive talent emerging in the region’s fast-growing MMA community.

Out of eight bouts on the card, only one fight went the full three rounds and was decided by the judges. The rest ended in emphatic finishes—either knockouts or submissions—making for one of the most electrifying nights of combat sports seen in Nairobi this year.

Hassan Wasswa Muhammed Headlines with a Commanding Win

The main event featured fan favourite Hassan Wasswa Muhammed of the Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, who faced a disciplined and dangerous opponent in Franklin Kimani of the Kenya Defence Forces. In a composed and technical performance, Hassan took control early, eventually sealing the victory in the second round via TKO through ground and pound.

Hassan’s dominant showing had the crowd on its feet, as his coach Omer Jemal joined him in the cage to celebrate.

Undercard Action Brings Explosive Finishes

In the co-main event, Samuel Laurian (Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy) went toe-to-toe with Shadrack Otieno (Marine Gym) in a three-round rematch of their October bout in Mombasa. Laurian emerged victorious once again, this time with a more strategic and composed performance that showcased his evolution as a fighter.

From Uganda, Rymond Wenendeya of Kampala Grappling Club thrilled fans with a slick first-round submission victory over James Nasongo, executing a flawless Darce choke that drew loud applause from the crowd.

The team from Chanuka Self Defense also stood out, as their fighters Victor Kiprop and Dennis Nyingi both finished their opponents in decisive fashion—extending the gym’s unbeaten streak at Anza MMA events to an impressive 5-0 record.

UFC Manager David Hirschbein Adds International Spotlight

Adding to the night’s prestige was the attendance of David Hirschbein, renowned UFC manager and owner of California’s elite MMA Gold Team, which currently has eight fighters on the UFC roster.

Hirschbein’s presence in Nairobi underscored the growing international attention on East African MMA talent. Earlier in the week, he hosted a seminar on fighter management at Açaí Oasis in New Muthaiga Mall, sharing key insights on professional athlete development and global representation.

During his visit, Hirschbein also toured MMA Gold’s youth development project in Kibera, where children receive martial arts training under the guidance of experienced coaches. He praised the discipline and raw potential of the young athletes, saying the initiative “represents the spirit and promise of African MMA.”

Anza MMA and the Growth of East African Combat Sports

Supported by Kenya Originals, a long-time backer of Anza MMA, the event continued its mission of expanding combat sports across the region. The combination of thrilling matchups, enthusiastic crowds, and growing professional involvement has positioned Kenya as a rising hub for MMA in Africa.

“What we’re seeing is a new era of opportunity for East African fighters,” said one event organizer. “These athletes have the skill, discipline, and heart to compete internationally — and platforms like Anza are giving them the exposure they deserve.”

Next: Kenya’s First Sanctioned Professional MMA Event

Building on the success of the November 6 card, Anza MMA is now preparing to host Kenya’s first-ever officially sanctioned professional MMA event on December 5, 2025, at Broadwalk Mall, Westlands.

The historic event is set to feature some of East Africa’s most accomplished fighters, including Ouhsummer Ali Abad of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and George Itumo of One Tribe BJJ.