International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is up for the eighth edition of the African Championships. The tournament became the biggest amateur event in the African continent. The African Championships is hosted under the only WADA-signatory governing body for MMA. African Championships has provided a glimpse into the future of the entire sport. Several past participants went on to compete across the UFC, BRAVE CF, PFL, and ONE Championship.
Ahead of the 2024 edition, we look at the top athletes that have competed in previous years. Let us explore what they went on to achieve, as the IMMAF provides a definitive pathway to superstar status within the MMA world. The unique ecosystem offers a safe learning space for future professional athletes.
Luthando Biko
In the first installment of this two-part series, we look at some of talent from the earlier editions of the African Championships. With several gold medalists going on to achieve superstar status in the professional ranks, sky is the limit. In 2016, two big names joined the ranks for the first edition of the African Championships. They went on to forge incredible careers as professionals. 2016 IMMAF African Flyweight champion Luthando Biko turned pro in early 2017. He earned titles in two different weight classes under the EFC, South Africa’s premier MMA promotion. He has fought for the likes of Pancrase, UAE Warriors, and Ares FC. Currently he is signed with BRAVE Combat Federation on a multi-fight deal, aiming for the promotion’s first 125lbs title.
Tobias Harila
Tobias Harila has been a staple of MMA in Europe in the last few years. He was also a beneficiary of IMMAF’s foothold in Africa. ‘’Bad Intention’’ became a 2016 champion and fought under Cage Warriors and had a stint at BRAVE CF.
Nkosi Ndebele
The man of the hour at BRAVE Combat Federation is Nkosi Ndebele. Fresh from the first Bantamweight title defense, ‘’The Future’’ caught the eye of the Bahraini promotion during the 2017 African Championship. He earned a gold medal at Featherweight before he turned pro under BRAVE CF in 2019. At 0-0, he faced a 14-2 veteran and came out as the winner. The experience he gained in his IMMAF years translated seamlessly into his professional debut. Ndebele has amassed a 8-2 pro record and has closed down his rivalry with 2014 & 2015 IMMAF world champion. He had two consecutive wins in BRAVE CF’s first-ever trilogy against Jose Torres.
Eliezer Kubanza
A teammate and friend of Ndebele, Eliezer Kubanza has also benefitted immensely from the IMMAF platform. A 2017 African IMMAF champion, the now Super Welterweight (175lbs) is a force to be reckoned with at BRAVE CF. He won two fights by first-round KO and became the first-ever Congolese fighter to join BRAVE CF.
Abbas Khan
In 2018 and 2019, two up-and-comers of the MMA world also left their mark in the IMMAF African Championships. Abbas Khan won a gold medal in 2018 and went on to fight for BRAVE CF and has now been signed to compete in the PFL Mena tournament. In 2019, Ceileigh Niedermayr, from South Africa, continued her road towards the pro ranks in style. She became the African champion with victory over Kenfack Nadia. Niedermayr wrapped up a victorious amateur career with a 7-1 record. She continues her professional journey most recently picking up a major win at UAE Warriors.
About the author
Hari Bhagirath is the former Chief Creative Officer at BRAVE Combat Federation. Currently, he heads Strategic Relations and Financial Communication for a major Fortune 100 organization. He is also the co-founder of Totem Capital, a private wealth management initiative.
