Kenya’s mixed martial arts (MMA) scene is about to take center stage as two of its brightest stars, Ouhsummer Ali Abad, nicknamed “Ninja Turtle,” and George “The Maverick” Itumo, have signed with African Knockout (AKO), Africa’s premier MMA promotion co-owned by Nigerian UFC legend Kamaru Usman. The duo from Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Pro MMA Team will make their highly anticipated AKO debut on June 13, 2025, at 6 PM at the Pistis Conference Center in Lagos, Nigeria. This historic event marks a turning point for East African MMA, with Abad and Itumo poised to break the region’s winless streak in the AKO cage.
A Historic Moment for Kenyan MMA
The Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Pro MMA Team announced today that Abad and Itumo, two of Kenya’s top MMA athletes, have officially joined AKO, a platform renowned for showcasing Africa’s fiercest fighters. The June 13 event, dubbed AKO9, will feature 18 fighters from Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, and Egypt, all vying for dominance in the cage. For Kenya, this debut is more than a fight—it’s a chance to rewrite history. No East African fighter has ever won in the AKO arena, and Abad and Itumo are determined to change that narrative.
“Signing with AKO is a great opportunity to show Africa and the world the level East African MMA has reached in the past few years,” said Abad, a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and the reigning East Africa BJJ Champion. Itumo echoed the ambition: “The plan is to dominate the African MMA scene before moving into the biggest world leagues like PFL and UFC.” Both fighters are currently in an intensive training camp at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Westlands, honing their skills under coaches Schola Muchiri and Mary Kagi.
Who Are Ouhsummer Ali Abad and George Itumo?
Ouhsummer Ali Abad: The “Ninja Turtle”
Abad, known as “Ninja Turtle,” is a rising star in African combat sports. His journey began with a stunning MMA debut at the Blood Warriors Championship in Kampala, Uganda, in November 2024, where he defeated the previously undefeated Sserunjoji Samson “Apex Predator” with a masterful display of BJJ. Facing a seasoned fighter with a 4-0 MMA record and an 18-3 kickboxing background, Abad’s grappling skills shone, securing a submission victory that electrified fans at Club Obligato.
In February 2025, Abad led Kenya’s charge at the AJP Tour Africa Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Cairo, Egypt, clinching double gold in both GI and NO-GI categories. His performance helped Team Kenya secure 13 medals, including six golds, and a fourth-place finish among 49 teams. In April, he continued his dominance at the AJP World Tour in Qatar, earning back-to-back double victories and climbing to #7 in the AJP global professional rankings—the highest ever for a Kenyan. As Assistant Head Instructor at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, located on the third floor of New Muthaiga Mall, Abad is also shaping the next generation of fighters.
George “The Maverick” Itumo
Itumo, a standout from One Tribe BJJ, has already made waves in Kenya’s martial arts scene. At the inaugural Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Invitational Tournament in Nairobi in June 2023, held at Alchemist Bar, Itumo claimed victory in the main bracket, showcasing his technical prowess and relentless drive. His win against top competitors solidified his reputation as a formidable grappler. Itumo’s versatility and determination make him a perfect fit for AKO’s high-stakes cage, where he aims to prove East Africa’s mettle.
African Knockout: Africa’s Premier MMA Stage
Co-owned by Kamaru Usman, a former UFC Welterweight Champion and current #5-ranked welterweight, AKO is Africa’s leading MMA promotion, known for its electrifying events and top-tier production. Usman, born in Auchi, Nigeria, brings global credibility to the platform, having defended his UFC title multiple times with knockouts against fighters like Jorge Masvidal and Colby Covington. AKO9, set for June 13, 2025, at the Pistis Conference Center in Lagos, promises to be a landmark event, with Rayan Fayad, AKO’s COO, calling it “a bold declaration of the future of African MMA.” The event will showcase elite athletes and “unparalleled energy,” aiming to ignite a continent-wide movement in combat sports.
The Lagos fight night will be live-streamed on YouTube, offering fans across Africa and beyond a front-row seat. Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Pro MMA Team has urged supporters to tune in and follow updates on their Instagram page for behind-the-scenes content and fight night details.
Kenya’s Rising Martial Arts Scene
Kenya’s combat sports landscape has seen explosive growth in 2025, driven by Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy and One Tribe BJJ. The combined team’s performance at the AJP Tour Africa Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Cairo was a game-changer, with 10 athletes securing 13 medals and a fourth-place finish overall, plus a fifth-place ranking among 15 countries in the professional category. Standout performers like Abad, James Ng’ang’a, and Daniel Crank each won double golds, coached by Schola Muchiri and Mary Kagi. “Our performance in Cairo is a direct result of years of dedication,” said Tomas Maule of Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, which recently opened a new gym in Westlands to foster BJJ and MMA talent.
Abad’s success continued in Qatar in April 2025, where he solidified his status as a global contender. These achievements have elevated Kenya’s profile in international jiu-jitsu and MMA, setting the stage for Abad and Itumo’s AKO debut. The Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy, founded by Julio DeSouza, is now a hub for martial arts enthusiasts, offering training in BJJ and self-defense to all ages and skill levels.
The Stakes: Breaking East Africa’s AKO Drought
No East African fighter has ever won in the AKO cage, a fact that weighs heavily on Abad and Itumo. Their debut is a chance to make history and put Kenya on the MMA map. Facing a stacked lineup of 18 fighters from across Africa, the duo will need to leverage their BJJ expertise and striking skills to overcome seasoned opponents. AKO’s competitive arena is known for its intensity, with fighters blending disciplines like boxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu. Abad’s grappling dominance and Itumo’s technical versatility give them a strong shot at upsetting the status quo.
The event also carries cultural weight. As Fayad noted, AKO9 is about more than fights—it’s about showcasing Africa’s talent and building a legacy. For Kenya, a victory would signal the arrival of East Africa as a force in global MMA, paving the way for future stars to target promotions like the Professional Fighters League (PFL) or UFC, as Itumo aspires to do.
Challenges and Opportunities
The road to Lagos is not without hurdles:
- Tough Competition: Fighters from Nigeria, Angola, and Cameroon bring diverse skills, from kickboxing to wrestling, testing Abad and Itumo’s adaptability.
- Pressure to Perform: As the first East Africans in AKO, the duo carries the weight of regional pride and expectations.
- Physical Demands: The intensive training camp at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy requires peak conditioning to handle AKO’s grueling pace.
Yet, the opportunities are immense. A win could catapult Abad and Itumo into the global spotlight, attract sponsorships, and inspire a new wave of Kenyan fighters. Their success would also boost Nairobi’s growing reputation as a martial arts hub, drawing more talent to academies like NJA and One Tribe BJJ.
How Fans Can Support
Kenyans and MMA fans worldwide can rally behind Abad and Itumo by:
- Watching Live: Tune into the YouTube live stream on June 13, 2025, at 6 PM to cheer them on.
- Following Updates: Check Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu’s Instagram for training camp insights and fight night details.
- Spreading the Word: Share posts on X and other platforms to amplify support, using hashtags like #AKO9, #KenyaMMA, and #NinjaTurtle.
- Visiting NJA: Explore training opportunities at Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu Academy in New Muthaiga Mall, Westlands, to join the martial arts movement.
Abad and Itumo’s AKO debut is a defining moment for Kenyan MMA. With their BJJ mastery, proven track records, and relentless drive, they’re ready to challenge Africa’s best and make history. As Abad put it, “We’re here to show the world what East African MMA can do.” Itumo’s vision of reaching PFL and UFC reflects a broader ambition to elevate Kenya’s status in global combat sports.
The Pistis Conference Center in Lagos will be electric on June 13, as these two warriors step into the cage. Whether they secure a knockout, submission, or decision, their presence alone marks a bold step forward for Kenya. Fans can follow the action live on YouTube and stay connected via Nairobi Jiu-Jitsu’s social media for updates on this historic journey.
