5 days ago
African MMA brand AKO signs a broadcasting deal with SuperSport
AKO started as an MMA talent reality TV Show called "African Knockout", becoming the first non-scripted sports reality show on Netflix in the process.
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.'
