By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Jackiel Ayana and Inimfon Ekong emerged among the standout winners at Akalaka 009, The Battle of the Mystic Sword, as the combat sports event delivered an action-packed night of mixed martial arts and exhibition boxing in Abuja on Saturday.
Ayana, known as the Smiling Assassin, submitted Victor Dooga, the Benue Boy, to win the featherweight main event, while Ekong, popularly known as Woman Pharoah, defeated Simon Ameh by split decision in the exhibition boxing contest.
Ayana also claimed three major individual honours, winning the Best Submission award, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award and the Mystic Sword trophy.
David Ezekiel, known as The Badger, was named Best Knockout of the Night following his technical knockout victory over Joseph James, The Great Lion.
The ninth edition of the Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior promotion featured seven mixed martial arts bouts across different weight divisions and a special boxing exhibition, showcasing Nigerian talent, discipline and cultural heritage.
Ayana, Ekong Lead Night of Victories
Ayana’s victory over Dooga came by tap-out submission in the featherweight main event, bringing the headline contest to a decisive end.
In the welterweight co-main event, Casmir Junior, known as The Poison, defeated Daniel Appah, The RoadMap, by tap-out submission.
Chima-Cole Emmanuel, The Oracle, also recorded a stoppage victory, defeating Godwin Ambrose, The Big Name, by knockout through a rear-naked choke in the light heavyweight division.
Other winners included Beckefula Tarilayefa, who defeated Blessing Ejike, The Amazon, by split decision in the catchweight women’s bout.
AbdulKareen Nasirudeen, The Black Wolf, beat Aliyu Yusuf, Da Wicked, in the bantamweight contest after his opponent abandoned the fight.
Michael Dawodu, The Hero, edged Onyeka Uche Jim, The China Man, by split decision in the featherweight division.
Ezekiel completed the winners’ list with a technical knockout victory over James in the lightweight division.
Woman Pharoah Delivers Message of Empowerment
Ekong’s victory in the exhibition boxing contest was accompanied by a strong message to women and anyone facing abuse.
Speaking after the bout, she said she was happy to represent women around the world and encouraged them not to allow others to limit their ambitions.
The fighter also urged people in abusive relationships to seek help or remove themselves from dangerous situations.
Ekong stressed that the contest was an exhibition and cautioned against attempting to recreate it outside a controlled sporting environment.
She added that she had trained for years for the opportunity, describing the experience as a step outside her comfort zone.
Benard: Akalaka Is Telling Africa’s Story
The event’s convener, Dr Ebere Benard, popularly known as Grandmaster, expressed satisfaction with the organisation and technical quality of the competition.
Benard said the promotion had grown significantly since its beginnings in 2021, when it featured local fighters from the Niger Delta.
He disclosed that the event was streamed internationally, with scouts in the United States, including renowned UFC referee Herb Dean, watching the action.
According to him, the organisers would review areas requiring improvement and use the lessons to strengthen subsequent editions.
Benard also described Abuja as Akalaka’s home, comparing its importance to Las Vegas in the United States, a major destination for combat sports.
Explaining the cultural significance of the event’s theme, The Battle of the Mystic Sword, he traced it to an oral tradition about the migration of ancestors from the ancient Benin Kingdom to the Niger Delta.
He said the story recounts their struggles to settle around the Orashi River, where they eventually prevailed and took a mystic sword as a spoil of war.
The sword, he explained, remains a cultural symbol celebrated annually by the Ekpene people of Rivers State during the Festival of the First Born.
Benard said Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior was committed to telling African stories through combat sports, while promoting culture, belief and the spirit of perseverance.
He urged MMA enthusiasts in Abuja and across Nigeria to remain engaged with the promotion as it continues to develop the sport.
The event marked another milestone for Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior, combining competitive combat sports with a celebration of African heritage and the determination of its fighters.
