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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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."

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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.

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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!

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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) 

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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.

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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 Judo

To find out more about judo in Africa, consult the African Judo Union website: African Judo Union

To learn more about Judo Global Sao Tome and Principe, follow them on Facebook

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