The Ivoiro-Korean ICT Sports Center in Adjamé was electrified on Saturday, May 17, 2025, during the explosive seventh edition of the African MMA League (AML). The night featured 13 spectacular fights, delivered on its promises, and ignited an electric atmosphere in front of a wildly enthusiastic crowd.

The highlight of the night? The main event saw Ivorian fighter Zigui Dona, aka Samo Samo, face Cameroonian Lekeufack Steeve, known as Kola Sucré, in the under-83 kg category. True to his reputation as a fighter-artist, Samo Samo asserted his dominance. After two fiercely contested rounds, he knocked out his opponent in the third round, successfully defending his championship belt.

“As promised, I carried him on my back so he could return to Yaoundé. The belt stays here. I am Samo Samo, the Commander of the Cage!” he shouted amid a wave of euphoria.

The Cameroonian, far from disgraced, acknowledged his opponent’s superiority:
“I came in with high ambitions, but Samo Samo was stronger tonight. I’ll come back better prepared. This is not the end, but the beginning of a real rivalry.”

Other highlights of the night included Kola Sucré (Cameroon) dominating Dembélé Abdoulaye (Côte d’Ivoire) by unanimous decision in a hard-fought bout; Amadou Bah (Senegal) scoring an impressive victory over Nigerian Taofeek Rokibu; and in the +95 kg category, Salif Diakité sent Koné Youssouf to the canvas in just 14.94 seconds of the first round.

Women also shone brightly, with Senegalese fighter Mame Thiaw winning by decision over Ivorian Honogo Salimata.

Ismaël Bakayoko, founder of AML, expressed his satisfaction with this edition:
“The outcome is positive. What impressed me most was the quality of the fights delivered by the athletes. The 8th edition won’t be the last event of the year. Before that, see you on July 26. The final showdown of the year will be held at the end of September. And for the 8th edition, we’ve got a big surprise in store for you!