Jean Do Santos made history at AKO 10 with a lightning-fast knockout of Jubrin Inuwa Baba, claiming the AKO Lightweight Championship in under a minute. The headline fight lit up the Abuja Velodrome on Saturday, August 23, turning the venue into the heart of African MMA action.
The main event featured two fighters driven by momentum and a fierce rivalry. Santos, now 8-1, faced off against Baba, who entered with a 6-2 record, in what was expected to be a grueling five-round battle. Instead, Santos delivered a devastating flying knee that sent Baba to the canvas immediately, following up with relentless ground-and-pound strikes. The referee intervened, stopping the fight within seconds and cementing Santos’ place in MMA history.
Santos’ journey to the AKO Lightweight title has been marked by resilience. Earlier in 2025, he faced a setback at Ares FC 29 in Paris, losing by unanimous decision to Phruethukorn Chaichongcharden. The defeat motivated him to return stronger at AKO 9, where he secured a first-round submission victory over Emmanuel Nworie via triangle choke, reminding fans of his dominance in the lightweight division.
For Jibrin “Black Venom” Baba, the fight represented redemption. He previously faced Santos at AKO 3 in a split-decision loss and worked his way back to the top with a decisive win over Abdul Razac Sankara at AKO 7. The rematch at AKO 10 was as much about personal pride as it was about the championship belt.
The energy inside the Velodrome was electric. Baba entered the cage focused, pausing for a brief prayer, while Santos followed with confidence and determination. From the opening bell, Santos wasted no time, delivering a knockout that left fans in awe and the arena buzzing.
The co-main event also delivered high drama. Gasmire Diatta, known for his striking power, took on submission specialist Andre Mukisi. The fight began strategically, with both men testing each other’s defenses. Diatta eventually gained control, securing a takedown and maintaining top pressure. In the second round, an ankle injury left Mukisi vulnerable, and Diatta capitalized, earning a TKO victory.
Other notable results from AKO 10 included Jane Osigwe defeating Sanaa Mandar by unanimous decision, Yahaya Yahuza defeating Cherif Drame by unanimous decision, and Lewis Mataya earning a second-round TKO over Miezan Prince. Submission victories were recorded by Fouad Madani, Farouk Boudissa, and Joy Obanla.
AKO 10 showcased Africa’s rising MMA talent with spectacular finishes, thrilling performances, and historic moments that left fans talking. With Jean Do Santos now crowned AKO Lightweight Champion, the Nigerian MMA scene continues to gain global recognition, promising more excitement in future events.
