East Africa MMA Challenge 2025: The Fight between Ethiopia’s Sani Kedr and South Sudan’s Champion Majok

By Silphano Oluoch, Juba, South Sudan

Wednesday, 29 January 2025 (PW) — In a world where division often sneaks into our lives, the East Africa MMA Challenge 2025 proved that we are far stronger together.

Let’s face it, when was the last time you saw an event that not only got your adrenaline pumping but also gave you all the warm, fuzzy feels about unity and sportsmanship? Well, ladies and gentlemen, the East Africa MMA Challenge 2025 just delivered that and then some!

Hosted at Juba’s iconic Nyakuron Cultural Centre on January 25, this event wasn’t just a fight game; it was a celebration of everything that makes East Africa awesome.

Wizzy vs. Biko: The Showdown of the Year

Picture this: the crowd is electric, the fighters are ready, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Enter South Sudan’s Abednego Thon (Wizzy), whose journey from local gyms to the international spotlight encapsulates the true spirit of perseverance, as his fans affectionately call him, and Kenya’s Steve Biko, a powerhouse in his own right. These two warriors went head-to-head in a match that had us all on the edge of our seats.

Wizzy didn’t just win the match; he won hearts. His victory wasn’t just about points; it was a love letter to South Sudan and every young fighter dreaming big. And let’s not forget Biko, who showed us what true sportsmanship looks like. He might not have taken the trophy home, but he left with our respect and a ton of new fans.

Sports: The Ultimate Icebreaker

Let’s talk about what this event really means. Sure, the MMA Challenge gave us some jaw-dropping kicks and punches, but it also gave us something even better: connection. When you’ve got fighters from South Sudan, Kenya, and Ethiopia sharing a ring, you’re not just watching a competition; you’re witnessing unity in action. It’s like a family reunion, but with way more sweat and adrenaline.

The fight between Ethiopia’s Sani Kedr and South Sudan’s champion was the epitome of the afternoon, with Majok suffering a knockout, an unlikely outcome that left the crowds jaw-dropping, Sani, filled with thrill and adrenaline, occupied the arena with victory dances.

This event reminded us that sports are the ultimate universal language. Forget politics and borders—put a few talented athletes in a ring, and suddenly, we’re all on the same team, cheering for excellence and determination.

The MVP? Coach Puro Okello Obob

A mentor, a father figure and a beacon of hope, Coach Puro Okello Obob’s commitment to the growth of the Kickboxing sport in South Sudan speaks volumes about his character and belief in the future of the sport in Africa. Bringing East Africa together was the beginning of curving the road to Thailand, the mother of Kickboxing MMA, later on this year.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t just a one-off event. It’s the start of something much bigger. The South Sudan Kickboxing Federation (shout out to Coach Puro Obok, the fighters and the Weekend Warriors!) is already talking about taking this to the next level. Imagine an East African MMA league—now that’s a dream worth fighting for, imagine the possibilities!

Why This Event Matters (Spoiler: It’s Bigger Than Sports)

The East Africa MMA Challenge wasn’t just about finding the best fighter; it was about finding common ground. It brought economic benefits to Juba, boosted local businesses, and gave young athletes a stage to shine on. And let’s not forget the cultural exchange! Watching Ethiopian, Kenyan, and South Sudanese fighters share the spotlight was like seeing a live-action version of “East Africa’s Got Talent.”

Smart Capital, non-deposit-taking SME lending institution headquartered in Juba, South Sudan, didn’t just sponsor the event, they made it a platform for hope and inspiration, they just don’t build businesses; they build communities, they believe in the transformative power of sports. They champion initiatives that foster growth, unity, and opportunity through sports and other impactful ventures. And boy, didn’t they prove it? Smart Capital showed us what it means to invest in communities.

The East Africa MMA Challenge 2025 was a testament to the untapped potential of sports in driving development and fostering pride in South Sudan’s achievements.

Why You Should Care?

If you’re not hyped about what happened at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre, you’re seriously missing out. This was more than a fight; it was a moment of pride for East Africa. It showed us that when we come together, we can create something extraordinary.

So, here’s my advice: mark your calendar for the next edition, grab your loudest cheering squad, and show up. Because trust me, you don’t want to miss the magic of the East Africa MMA Challenge and neither should miss any of the thrilling matches. Let’s keep building bridges, breaking barriers, and celebrating the incredible talent this region has to offer.

Final Thoughts

Sports are more than just games; they’re life lessons wrapped in action-packed entertainment. And the East Africa MMA Challenge 2025? It taught us all a little something about unity, resilience, and the power of dreams. So here’s to the fighters, the fans, and everyone who made this event unforgettable. Until next time, East Africa—keep punching above your weight class!

The writer, Silphano Oluoch, is the General Manager of Smart Capital Co Ltd, non-deposit-taking SME lending institution headquartered in Juba, South Sudan).

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