CNN’s Inside Africa Showcases MMA’s Explosive Rise Across the Continent
Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is fast becoming one of Africa’s most dynamic and fast-growing sports; a thrilling blend of athleticism, grit, and cultural evolution. In a new episode of Inside Africa, CNN spotlights the sport’s growing impact on the continent, following elite athletes, grassroots fighters, and world-class coaches who are shaping the future of MMA in Africa.
From its historic debut at the African Games in Accra, Ghana, to the training mats of South Africa’s top performance centres, this episode captures the energy of a sport poised to break into the global mainstream, with African talent at the helm.
Forging Champions in South Africa
CNN takes viewers into the CIT Performance Institute in Pretoria, South Africa, one of Africa’s most respected MMA training hubs, run by veteran coach Morne Visser. Known for producing world-class athletes, CIT is the home of Dricus du Plessis, the current UFC Middleweight World Champion.
Coach Visser shares the essence of his program’s success:
“You surround yourself with your type of people, and it’s amazing what our God sends. Guys from all over the world train with us… We’ve got a couple of world titles.”
With elite training, disciplined routines, and a global vision, CIT continues to elevate African MMA to new heights.
The Grit and Glory of Fighters Like Diego Bandu
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Diego ‘PangaMan’ Bandu has earned a reputation for fierce dominance in the cage.
“Every time I step into the cage, I say it’s me or him, and it won’t be me. I make my opponent feel like he’s in a river full of crocodiles.”
Bandu’s raw power and vivid metaphors underscore the fearless mindset African fighters carry with them into battle.
Ken Sekeletu: From Park Benches to Power Punches
Zambian fighter Ken ‘The Takeover’ Sekeletu represents the resilience at the heart of African MMA. His journey to Pretoria was filled with hardship, including sleeping in a Johannesburg park for a week when he first arrived.
“We had no place to sleep. But we came chasing the dream — to become the best fighter, the best athlete.”
Today, Sekeletu is preparing for major competitions, energised by Africa’s growing infrastructure for MMA at both amateur and professional levels.
How EFC is Shaping Africa’s MMA Pipeline
According to Sekeletu, the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) has created a powerful launchpad for African fighters:
“You start at EFC, build your name, face challenges, and maybe go overseas to compete.”
As organisations like the IMF (International Mixed Martial Arts Federation) and EFC expand, so does the pathway for African fighters to break into global leagues.
Grassroots Gyms, Grit-Fueled Dreams
Outside major cities, where funding is scarce and facilities are basic, passion is the fuel. Fighters like Lucky ‘Hercules’ Magekha, known as the Mamelodi Warrior, train in makeshift gyms without gloves, punching bags, or weights.
“We don’t have much — but we have commitment and discipline.”
Magekha, also a coach and trainer, believes MMA can be a force for peace and self-defence in his community:
“If a child learns how to fight, they can protect themselves. It builds discipline and makes our communities better.”
A Vision for Equality and Progress
Coach and fighter Given ‘Bonecracker’ Majuba envisions a sport where unity and meritocracy reign:
“My dream is to see South Africans of all races on the world stage. Politics should bring positivity to sports. Let’s grow our youth and uplift our communities.”
Catch the Full Story on CNN’s Inside Africa
This inspiring episode offers an unfiltered look into the heart of Africa’s MMA movement — from high-performance gyms to underdog stories and the fighters redefining what it means to be a warrior.
Watch on CNN International at the following times:
🗓️ Saturday, 29 March 2025 – 23:30 SAST
🗓️ Sunday, 30 March 2025 – 05:00, 08:30, 13:30, 19:30 SAST
🗓️ Monday, 31 March 2025 – 06:30 SAST
🗓️ Sunday, 6 April 2025 – 00:30, 05:00, 08:30, 13:30, 19:30 SAST
🗓️ Monday, 7 April 2025 – 06:30 SAST
