Combat Sports in Africa

On May 31, Nigerian wrestling icon Blessing Oborududu announced her retirement. A 14-time African champion and Nigeria’s first Olympic wrestling medalist, she now transitions into coaching.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

6/1/25 • 01:00

Senegalese Taekwondo athlete Tening Faye has become the first-ever medallist for her country at a World Taekwondo Cadet Championships, earning bronze in the women’s -44kg event in Fujairah, UAE. Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

5/13/25 • 02:58

Kenya was the only African nation to compete at the 2025 Tbilisi Grand Slam — sending 10 judokas to one of the toughest judo tournaments on the IJF World Tour. In this episode, we briefly explore what that level of participation means for Kenya’s judo ambitions and the wider development of combat sports in Africa.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

5/4/25 • 02:53

On March 20th, Kirsty Coventry of Zimbabwe became the first African and first woman elected as IOC President.We break down her five key priorities from the IOC manifesto.This is a simplified summary. For full details, read the official manifesto.News release (includes manifesto): https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/kirsty-coventry-elected-ioc-president-the-first-female-president-in-ioc-historyBio:https://www.olympics.com/ioc/mrs-kirsty-coventryFollow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

3/29/25 • 04:17

Africa’s top amateur MMA talent returns to Luanda for the 2025 IMMAF African Championships — will you be watching?Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

3/29/25 • 02:51

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we dive into United World Wrestling’s Regional Educational Development and Training Program (REDT), which took place in Pretoria, South Africa. This impactful initiative brought together athletes, coaches, referees, and administrators from eight nations—South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Nigeria, Ecuador, and Zambia—for a week of training, coaching, and competition. From youth development to elite-level courses and tournaments, this event played a crucial role in expanding wrestling’s reach across the region.Tune in to hear key insights from participants and why programs like these are essential for the sport’s future in Africa.Read the full article: https://uww.org/article/redt-south-africa-exchange-cooperation-grow-wrestling-region Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

1/29/25 • 02:51

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we spotlight Wisdom Boxing Gym in Accra, Ghana. Legendary Coach Ofori Asare shares his approach to developing elite boxers and reflects on his Lifetime Achievement Award. Rising star Theophilus Lopez Allotey discusses winning the National Super Flyweight Title, his journey from amateur to professional, and his upcoming fight this Friday, January 31. Plus, Sarah Asare highlights the gym’s impactful social media presence.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

1/28/25 • 51:26

In this first episode of 2025, we spotlight the African Union Sports Council's "Keep Moving" campaign, an initiative dedicated to promoting safe, equitable, and inclusive sporting environments across Africa. We explore the challenges faced by women and girls in sports and the solutions presented in the AUSC Keep Moving toolkit.Resources Mentioned:📄 AUSC Keep Moving Toolkit Phase 1: sportscouncil.au.int/en/documents/2024-11-04/ausc-keep-moving-toolkit-phase-1📢 Tegla Loroupe Joins the Campaign: sportscouncil.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2024-12-16/tegla-loroupe-joins-ausc-keep-moving-campaign-ambassadorFollow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

1/28/25 • 03:15

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we speak with 21-year-old judoka Akira Nakajima, who proudly represents Uganda on the international stage while training in Japan. Akira shares his experiences at his first Grand Slam, his goals for the Los Angeles Olympics, and his hopes for the growth of judo in Uganda. We also discuss the importance of support for athletes to train and compete globally. Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

12/15/24 • 11:41

Join us as Dr. Tsegaye Degineh shares his thoughts on the JJIF World Championship 2024 in Greece, the introduction of Contact Ju-Jitsu, and his Ju-Jitsu seminar in Ethiopia. Learn about his efforts to support the development of grappling sports in Ethiopia.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

12/15/24 • 17:57

In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we delve into the inspiring stories from the 2024 World Judo Championships Veterans held in Las Vegas. Over 1,100 athletes from 67 countries, aged 30 to over 70, showcased the unifying power of judo and the enduring spirit of competition. We shine a spotlight on Team Angola, whose remarkable enthusiasm and energy both on and off the tatami demonstrate the unyielding fire that still burns within these competitors. Their passion and determination motivate combat sports athletes and fans alike, highlighting the power of motivation and discipline at any age and ability.Join us as we interview gold medalist Silva Luísa in the F8 women's under 63kg division and bronze medalist Ricardo José Boy in the M7 men's over 100kg division—an Angolan judo legend from the 1988 Seoul Olympics. We also speak with Hipolita Merino, Director of Marketing and Image for Team Angola's Veterans Judo Association. Tune in to hear their stories of perseverance and the vital role of support and encouragement in sports. Be sure to follow the Associação dos Veteranos de Judo de Angola on social media and visit avjangola.org to support their journey. Don't forget to subscribe to the Combat Sports in Africa podcast for more compelling stories from the world of African combat sports.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

11/30/24 • 23:58

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we talk with South Africa’s Kiara Fegen, the newly crowned 2024 IMMAF Lightweight World Champion. Kiara takes us through her journey at the World Championships in Uzbekistan, sharing the key moments and strategies that led to her dominant win in the 70.3 kg division. From intense battles in the cage to the mindset and preparation that led to victory—Kiera shares her personal journey to becoming the 2024 Lightweight World Champion. Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

11/14/24 • 14:18

This episode of Combat Sports in Africa explores the debut of the World Taekwondo Virtual Championships in Singapore, where 120 athletes, including competitors from Rwanda and Lesotho, will test the limits of virtual combat. With VR tech at the forefront, Virtual Taekwondo is breaking new ground. Could virtual combat sports reshape sports engagement, accessibility, and popularity? Listen in as we dive into this exciting blend of technology and combat sports.Links:World Taekwondo Virtual Championships set for spectacular debut in SingaporeVirtual Taekwondo: A New Era BeginsFollow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

11/14/24 • 01:58

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we celebrate a historic victory as Senegal's Oumar "Reug Reug" Kane becomes Africa's first ONE Heavyweight MMA World Champion. He defeated the undefeated Russian three-division champion Anatoly "Sladkiy" Malykhin in a thrilling five-round battle at Bangkok's Lumpinee Stadium. Join us as we delve into this monumental win and its impact on African MMA.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

11/10/24 • 01:36

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we recap Francis Ngannou’s explosive return to mixed martial arts at PFL Super Fights: Battle of the Giants in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ngannou delivered a devastating first-round knockout over Renan Ferreira to claim the PFL Heavyweight Superfight Championship, dedicating the emotional victory to his late son, Kobe. Congratulations to Francis—he continues to inspire the combat sports world worldwide. We hope his success opens up more opportunities for African athletes and combat sports competitors to reach larger audiences.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

10/20/24 • 02:43

Join us on the Combat Sports in Africa podcast as we reconnect with André Rosa, President of Judo Global São Tomé and Príncipe. In this insightful episode, we reflect on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to assess the performance of African judo athletes on the world stage. André shares his analysis on what these results mean for the future of judo across the continent. We discuss the key lessons and takeaways for African judokas from their Olympic experience, examine the progress of judo development in African nations post-Paris 2024, and explore what changes are needed for African athletes to reach the next level and compete for medals in future Olympic cycles. If you're passionate about judo and the growth of combat sports in Africa, this episode offers valuable perspectives you won't want to miss.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

10/6/24 • 47:09

In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we sit down with William Zalo Werenskiold, the CEO and founder of TRIBE Combat Sports—an Afro-Scandinavian MMA promotion based in West Africa. William shares the captivating origin story of TRIBE Combat Sports and what inspired him to focus on bringing high-quality MMA events to this vibrant region. We delve into their mission to make a significant impact on both the African and global MMA scenes, discuss the unique challenges they've faced in establishing a professional promotion in Africa, and explore how they're nurturing local talent in a continent rich with athletic prowess. Discover how TRIBE plans to capitalize on the growing global interest in African fighters and what sets them apart in the fast-evolving world of combat sports.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

10/6/24 • 63:32

In this episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast, we feature Ebe Ghansah, a lifelong martial artist, combat sports athlete, and coach with an interesting sports journey. Ebe is a Gracie Barra Coach for the Black Belt Braulio Estima Team and trained at the prestigious Gracie Barra Main Academy in Rio de Janeiro. He has competed in various combat sports, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Sambo and amateur mixed martial arts. Ebe also represented Great Britain in Taekwondo at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. He also represented GB in nine World and European Taekwondo Championships.We delve into Ebe's recent training seminar with Ghanaian MMA fighters and other combat sports athletes who competed at the African Games. He shares his impressions of their performance, providing valuable feedback and observations from his coach's perspective. Ebe discusses the strengths and areas for improvement he identified among the participants and offers insights on the specific skills and techniques Ghanaian fighters should focus on to elevate their game. He addresses the challenges hindering the development of MMA and grappling sports in Ghana and highlights the potential for these disciplines to flourish in a country with a strong boxing heritage. He also talks about the possibility of future training sessions in Ghana.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

10/6/24 • 73:51

In this follow-up to our previous episode, "African Combat Sports Triumphs at Paris 2024: Celebrating the Olympic Medalists," we spotlight Tunisia's Mohamed Khalil Jendoubi, who secured a bronze medal in the men's taekwondo -58kg category at Paris 2024. Adding to his silver from Tokyo, Jendoubi continues to inspire as a two-time Olympic medalist and a leading figure in African combat sports.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

9/26/24 • 01:37

A quick news update on the World Anti-Doping Agency's release of the 2025 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods, effective January 1, 2025."WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries."Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

9/26/24 • 00:59

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we hear from Colin Stewart and Johnny Sileshi Nigussie about their new book, Bow Before No Man: The Origin of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Ethiopia.    They delve into how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu emerged in Ethiopia amid various challenges, sharing inspiring stories of young Ethiopians who found purpose and community on the mats.Tune in to hear about Johnny's personal journey as a grappler and insights into the BJJ scenes in Ethiopia. Colin also talks about BJJ in Algeria.(This book is available exclusively on Amazon.com) Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

9/24/24 • 61:57

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, host Garmamie interviews Zimbabwe's own Lewis "Porcupine" Mataya, a two-time African International Mixed Martial Arts Federation champion!Mataya is set to make his highly anticipated professional MMA debut this Friday, September 27th, at UAE Warriors against Algeria's undefeated Slimen Hassaini (2-0). Don't miss Mataya's professional debut at UAE Warriors—watch it live on UFCFightPass.com!Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

9/24/24 • 12:27

Join us in this special episode of the Combat Sports in Africa podcast as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of African combat sports athletes at the Paris 2024 Olympics. We highlight the inspiring stories of Imane Khelif, David de Pina, Cindy Ngamba and Cheick Sallah Cisse, and many others who represented their countries with pride. Tune in to honor their dedication, perseverance, and the unifying power of sport across the continent.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

9/24/24 • 05:50

Join us for a insightful conversation with Andre Rosa, President of Judo Global Sao Tome and Principe, as we discuss the prospects for African judokas at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Highlighting the challenges, future, and key athletes to watch in African judo. Sao Tome and Principe's Roldeney De Oliveira will be representing his country at the Games. Best wishes to all competitors!For all things judo at the Paris 2024 games, visit: Paris 2024 JudoTo find out more about judo in Africa, consult the African Judo Union website: African Judo UnionTo learn more about Judo Global Sao Tome and Principe, follow them on FacebookFollow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/20/24 • 65:36

In this episode, we explore the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Magazine Paris 2024 edition, highlighting African athletes' preparations for the upcoming Olympic Games. With the games starting on July 26, 2024, we cover:Messages from ANOCA President Mustapha Berraf and IOC President Thomas Bach.Historical achievements in boxing and wrestling.Preparations of 33 qualified athletes in boxing, judo, taekwondo, and wrestling, supported by scholarships and anti-doping measures.Join us as we wish our athletes the best for Paris 2024 and discuss their future prospects for Los Angeles 2028.For more on ANOCA, visit africaolympic.com.Link to the ANOCA Magazine Paris 2024 PDF: https://africaolympic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ANOCA_MAGAZINE_PARIS_2024.pdf?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1a6wmDJamvEaUh3l_2EjhmaNid5z84pacL8xfnWcX2vRfT7--HCFm3FDE_aem_dHCqWG_IZbDyL2j7R_gIIwFollow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/17/24 • 05:17

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we bring you the latest updates on the Professional Fighters League (PFL) as they announce the launch of PFL Africa and a multi-year media rights deal with CANAL+. Hear about the new league featuring top African MMA athletes, the involvement of MMA superstar Francis Ngannou as Chairman, and what this means for the future of MMA on the continent. Don’t miss our discussion on these groundbreaking developments!For more details, check out the official announcements:PROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE LAUNCHES PFL AFRICAPROFESSIONAL FIGHTERS LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MULTI YEAR MEDIA RIGHTS DEAL WITH CANAL+ IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, INCLUDING THE LAUNCH OF PFL AFRICAFollow the Combat Sports in Africa podcast wherever you get your podcasts, and stay connected with us on social media!Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/13/24 • 04:37

In this short update episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we highlight the newly released entries for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Greco-Roman wrestling.Learn about the eleven African wrestlers set to compete and get key dates for the wrestling events. For the full list of competitors, visit United World Wrestling. Stay tuned for more updates as we count down to the Olympics!Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/9/24 • 01:57

In this episode of Combat Sports in Africa, we delve into the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games*. From July 26 to August 11, Paris will host the Thirty-third Olympiad, featuring billions of viewers, millions of spectators, and thousands of athletes from over 200 nations. We spotlight the excitement around African athletes in Boxing, Judo, Wrestling, and Taekwondo.  For detailed information on Paris 2024*note: The Paris 2024 Paralympic games will be held from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/8/24 • 03:03

Tune in as we discuss the boxing competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where 25 boxers from 10 African countries will compete. We celebrate the achievements of African boxers, including Ghana’s Samuel Takyi's bronze medal at Tokyo 2020. Learn about the ancient origins of boxing, its development over the centuries, and the rules that govern Olympic boxing.Get ready to support our talented boxers as they aim for success in Paris! For more information, visit the Paris 2024 website.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/8/24 • 04:48

Join us as we explore the upcoming judo competitions at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, where 32 judokas from 24 African countries will compete. We reflect on the historical performances of African judokas and discuss the long history of judo, from its origins in ancient Japan to its current status as a popular Olympic sport. We also provide a brief overview of the rules and scoring in judo. Get ready to cheer on our African judokas in Paris! For more information, visit the Paris 2024 website.Follow Combat Sports in Africa on facebook , YouTube and Instagram

7/8/24 • 04:37