MMA Championship: Excitement as Moniepoint powers AKO series in Abuja

Africa’s fastest growing financial institution, Moniepoint Inc, has thrown its weight behind the development of the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) across the continent and this time all is set to stage the first live event of the African Knockout Championship (AKO 4) which will hold on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly known as Sheraton Hotels).

Sporting Tribune reports that Africans such as Usman ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ Kamaru, the first African-born champion in UFC welterweight division, along with Israel “The Last Stylebender” Adesanya, another champion in the middleweight category and Cameroonian, Francis Ngannou, a heavyweight champion have been very instrumental to the popularity of the sport such that it has been dubbed the fastest-growing sport in the world as measured in participation and audience.

Speaking on the reasons behind his company’s sponsorship of the Series, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Moniepoint, Tosin Eniolorunda, in an interview with Sporting Tribune said he believes the Series will provide the platform to power the dreams of young MMA fighters and showcase their grit and fighting prowess to the world.

“As humans, the quest to fight is in our DNA and progressively society has moved forward when we fight and surmount challenges and obstacles. We are excited to partner with AKO to support the rapid growth of MMA in Africa. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our commitment to powering dreams, fostering resilience and demonstrating guts and grit. Together, we will create opportunities for athletes, fans, and businesses in the MMA ecosystem to thrive, flourish and boost a growing subculture across the continent.

“At the intersection of finance and sport, we see a powerful opportunity to uplift Africa. Our solutions have been critical to breaking down barriers in the financial services industry and deepening inclusion, much like how Mixed Martial Arts breaks down barriers between fighting disciplines. This partnership to develop MMA across the continent is an eloquent statement about African potential and innovation,” Eniolorunda told Sporting Tribune.

Commenting on the upcoming event, UFC legend and AKO co-owner, Kamaru Usman, while expressing his excitement said, “I am thrilled to see the growth of AKO and the talent that will be on display at AKO4. This event marks a significant milestone for African MMA and I am confident that the fighters will deliver an unforgettable show for the fans.”

With playoff spots up for grabs, the AKO Championship 4 event which features 10 African countries, will showcase about nine thrilling bouts across various divisions, including featherweight, middleweight, lightweight, and women’s bantamweight, with the headline fight between Nigeria’s own knockout athlete, Daniel Emeka and Congolese division standout, Flex Munwe.

In the women’s bantamweight division, Nigerian sensation who is looking for her second win and a playoff spot, Jane Osigwe, will square up with Beninosie grappler, Jibidar Cythia.