African MMA brand AKO signs a broadcasting deal with SuperSport
African MMA fans will now have greater access to mixed martial arts content, following a landmark deal between leading sports broadcaster SuperSport and the fast-growing Nigerian-based promotion, the African KnockOut Championship (AKO).
SuperSport will become the exclusive linear broadcaster for AKO across Sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to expand the promotion's reach and elevate Pan-African MMA within its diverse sports portfolio.
Mixed martial arts has experienced significant growth over recent years, captivating millions of fans — especially younger, digitally connected audiences. The sport's popularity has surged across Africa, fuelled by the success of continental UFC champions such as Nigeria's Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya, Cameroon's Francis Ngannou, and South Africa's Dricus du Plessis.
Major MMA hubs like South Africa, Nigeria, and Angola continue to grow, while interest spreads rapidly in countries including Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt. According to the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), 24 African national federations actively govern and organise both professional and amateur MMA events across the continent.
On the professional front, the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) has long been the flagship MMA promotion showcasing elite African talent alongside international stars. SuperSport already offers coverage of EFC, UFC, and the Professional Fighters League (PFL), with AKO set to become the latest premium addition following its broadcast partnership.
AKO President and Co-founder Kamaru Usman — Africa's first-ever UFC champion — emphasised the partnership's transformative potential: 'This isn't just about building a platform; it's about unlocking the full potential of African MMA.
"We want to inspire a new generation of champions and create a homegrown ecosystem that can rival the best in the world. There is no better partner than SuperSport, whose reach, reputation, and connection to African audiences perfectly align with our vision.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Gayton praises Dricus: 'You will come back stronger'
Gayton McKenzie has heaped praise on Dricus du Plessis after he lost his Middleweight World Champion title to Khamzat Chimaev at the UFC 319 on Saturday. The undefeated Russian fighter dominated his five-round match against the South African MMA star. Minutes after he was dethroned of his title, Minister of Sports, Art and Culture Gayton McKenzie praised Dricus du Plessis for his efforts. He posted from his X account: 'Dricus du Plessis, you made us proud as one of the great champions, and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today, but you will come back stronger. 'It was hard to watch, but you never gave up. You almost had him, and you'll always be a legend. Chin up.' Gayton's post comes after he consoled the Springboks, who lost 38-22 to the Wallabies at Ellis Park. He tweeted, 'We're still proud of you guys. A stumble on the road is part of all journeys. Let's get them next week. Go Bokke.' Khamzat 'Borz' Chimaev dominated Dricus 'Stillknocks' du Plessis in a lopsided affair to capture the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319. Image: UFC In his interview after his defeat, Dricus du Plessis praised his opponent, Khamzat Chimaev, for He said, 'He deserves this 100 percent. 'He beat me fair and square tonight; he was the better man. Dricus vowed to avenge his loss and win his belt back. He added, 'I'll be back stronger and better than ever.' Addressing his home country, Dricus continued: 'To everybody in South Africa, you all know this flag means the world to me. I am sorry to anyone I let down. 'I'll be back stronger. South Africans, we rise and fight through adversity, and we will show the world that they still don't know what we know.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
Victory against Chimaev is no different to any of my preceding victories, says Du Plessis
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, emphasised that beating the number three-ranked middleweight fighter Khamzat Chimaev will carry the same weight as beating any of his opponents in the UFC thus far, despite Chimaev being highly rated. Du Plessis will face Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago in the early hours on Sunday morning (South African time), a fighter that many consider to be "The boogeyman" of the UFC. Because of the dominant nature of the majority of Chimaev's victories in the UFC, coupled with his unbeaten record in his career, many fighters fear him, making him one of the highly rated fighters that the South African has faced in his career. However, despite all the aforementioned reasons, Du Plessis made it clear that beating Chimaev does not carry any more weight than beating Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland or any of his opponents in the UFC. The trash talk king added that Chimaev has been respectful to him, a feat that contributed in the lack of trash talk or banter in the pre-fight press conference on Friday. "This will mean for me exactly what it meant to beat every other guy before this. It's not about the opponent, it's not about who I face, it's about defending this belt every time somebody steps up to try and take it from me. That's all that matters to me," said Du Plessis. "This is the first time meeting him this week. I don't know the man. He seems respectful up until now, that's why there's no trash talk." It is safe to say that the people of Chicago, at least those who were present in the press conference on Friday, were heavily in favour of Chimaev. As a result, the people of Chicago were not shy in letting Du Plessis know of their dislike of him as they booed him from the start to the finish of the press conference. However, Du Plessis seemed unfazed as he told the media that he had gotten used to the negative response in Chicago, as he had never been the favourite to win any of his main event fights in the UFC. The 31-year-old South African fighter added that the fact that Chimaev is motivated by money instead of legacy and the ambition of being champion might be his downfall. "I've walked into every fight, especially as a main event, and heard the exact (same response from the) crowd, but guess what, I've walked out with the belt every single time," said Du Plessis. "We all have our different motivations. The motivations differ, the outcome will be the same, I'm walking out the champion. He's getting his money whether he wins or loses, so for him (regardless of the outcome), it's a good day at the office for him. I'll only be satisfied when I walk out of there with my belt."
The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
From psychologist to pole powerhouse: Joburg woman (62) competes on international stage
In the world of elite athletics, few stories are as inspiring as that of Debbie Howes. At 62, the Johannesburg-based psychologist is breaking barriers and defying expectations as she prepares to represent South Africa at the World Pole and Aerial Sports Championships in Argentina this October. A former gold and bronze world medallist, Howes is not only aiming for another podium finish but is also on a mission to challenge outdated stereotypes, showcasing pole sport as the demanding and legitimate athletic discipline it is, Southern Courier reports. Her journey from the therapy room to the world stage is a powerful testament to strength, discipline, and the pursuit of passion at any age. Howes is one of 16 South Africans who will be representing the country at the World Championships in Argentina in October. She says that although many people associate pole with erotic dancing, it is a strict athletic discipline with very demanding technical requirements. Based in Mondeor Howes will compete in the masters 60-plus women category in a solo routine and a group performance alongside three teammates. This will be her third time competing at the World Championships. She earned a gold medal in 2023 in Poland and a bronze in 2024 in Sweden. 'It feels like such an honour to qualify again. Pole sport gives me purpose, discipline and a renewed sense of excitement. Every year brings a new challenge and a chance to grow,' she said. From fire and kung fu to the pole Howes' background is in the performing arts and martial arts. She began as a cabaret dancer and performer, incorporating elements such as kung fu, gymnastics and nunchaku fire routines. 'I performed until my 40s, and after I stopped, I discovered pole sport. It felt like a natural next step that combined my past experiences with a new athletic discipline,' she said. She also has a long-standing athletic background. In addition to gymnastics in her youth, she has trained in kung fu, teaches tai chi and previously competed in bodybuilding. These disciplines have equipped her with the strength, control, and flexibility needed for pole sport. Training, endurance and balance Howes trains under coach Daniela Baker in Randburg. She attends private sessions and also joins weekly group sessions with other World Championship athletes. 'Right now, I can only complete half of my routine. The stamina and strength it takes is enormous. But in the weeks leading up to the competition, I increase the intensity of my training.' She maintains her strength through regular gym workouts and sticks to a healthy lifestyle to avoid illness or setbacks during the crucial build-up period. She has to carefully juggle her time to balance it all with her professional work as a psychologist. 'It is demanding, but it is also a great way to de-stress. Pole pulls me into my physical body and gives me a powerful reset from the mental load of my work.' Overcoming stereotypes A key part of Howes' mission is challenging outdated perceptions of pole. 'People think pole is about erotic dancing. But competitive pole sport is a legitimate athletic discipline, with strict rules and high technical requirements,' she said. In her category, she must execute 11 compulsory moves in a judged routine. These include strength holds, flexibility elements and clean transitions. It takes months of conditioning to perform them with consistency and control. 'I often look at a move and think it is impossible. Then I train and I manage to get it. That is where confidence is built.' Representing the country The South African Pole Sports Federation selected 16 athletes for the IPSF World Champs after the recent national championships. The national event saw 82 performances and 26 athletes qualify to compete internationally. 'To represent South Africa on a world platform is an incredible privilege. Especially at my age, to be able to do these moves and stay strong is something I am proud of.' What comes after the pole World Championships? Once the World Championships are over, Howes plans to continue training, refining her skills and helping change perceptions of the sport. 'I want to keep improving, maintain my strength and flexibility and continue to do this for as long as I am able. I want to show that you can get better with age.' Her advice to those who feel intimidated by pole sport is simple. 'Just start. It is the beginning of a journey that will change your life. It is worth every challenge.' What is pole sport? Pole sport is a regulated competitive sport governed by the International Pole Sports Federation. It includes routines performed on a vertical pole and judged for strength, flexibility, control and artistic execution. The South African Pole Sports Federation runs the official national championships annually and selects athletes to compete at the World Championships. The sport has grown in popularity in SA and now includes athletes of all ages and genders.
