Rwanda unveils “Mixed Martial Arts” to bolster nation’s sporting and cultural identity

Rwanda has officially unveiled Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) this Sunday, October 12, 2025 in a landmark move that marks a turning point in the nation’s sporting and cultural identity, 

Held in the Great Warriors sport facility, at Rebero, Kicukiro District, the event was organized by the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts Rwanda (GAMMA Rwanda).

Despite Mixed Martial Arts is a newly sport in Rwanda, for centuries, Rwanda has the art of discipline through traditional game called 'Gukirana'.

For the athletes, unveiled Mixed Martial Arts is the rebirth of Rwanda's traditional game on a global stage.

Mixed Martial Arts is a close combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines. 

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a globally popular sport with a large fanbase and significant industry value. Not only this but also is most popularly showcased by PFL Africa (Professional Fighters League) and UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) based in the United States.

The official launch ceremony in Kigali was attended by senior leaders of GAMMA Rwanda, members, and athletes who have recently taken up this new sport in the country.

Also in attendance were various leaders from GAMMA Uganda, led by Titus Tugume, President of the Uganda Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UMMAF), and one of Africa’s most prominent MMA figures.

He was joined by Alex Nsiko, Secretary General of GAMMA Uganda, and Lubega Ahmed Ali, Head Coach of Uganda’s national MMA team, who led the first MMA training in Rwanda.

Participants at the event expressed their enthusiasm for the arrival of GAMMA Rwanda, noting its timely launch to help promote MMA in Rwanda and to develop talented youth who can represent the country on the international stage in the future.

Mwizerwa Dieudonné, President of GAMMA Rwanda, thanked all who attended the training and the official launch of MMA in Rwanda.

He also appreciated the athletes who have been training in the sport since it was introduced to Rwanda two years ago.

He explained that after witnessing how MMA was played during the All African Games in 2024, he began discussions with international GAMMA leaders on how this game can be established in Rwanda.

From there, three clubs were first established in the Huye District, followed by two more in Kigali. Today, Rwanda has over 32 active MMA athletes across the Country. He added

He also added that a new club was officially launched in Kigali during Sunday’s event.

He emphasized that the main goal now is to grow the sport, starting with young athletes and identifying new talent from those already practicing other martial arts.

“We’re grateful for the collaboration with GAMMA Uganda, which is helping us share knowledge. GAMMA Rwanda is committed to building the capacity of coaches, referees, and athletes to gain more experience in this sport. After this training phase, we will begin organizing various competitions both in Rwanda and across the region.” He added

As part of this partnership, Lubega Ahmed Ali, Uganda’s National MMA Coach and a seasoned MMA trainer, will be in Rwanda from October 12 to October 19 to train athletes and coaches.

Titus Tugume, President of Uganda’s MMA Federation (UMMAF), expressed his appreciation for the level of talent he saw among Rwandan athletes, saying he was impressed with their performance and pledged continued collaboration with GAMMA Rwanda.

In preparation for the sport’s launch in Rwanda, Nkuranyabahizi Noël, Head Coach and Technical Director of GAMMA Rwanda, has spent significant time training abroad to bolster his coaching capacity level.

He's also expressed gratitude for being entrusted with the role of National MMA Coach in Rwanda.

Additionally, two referees—Mwizerwa Dieudonné and Ndayambaje Onesphore—have already completed online referee training.

Photos

Nkuranyabahizi Noël (Left) together with Coach Lubega Ahmed Ali

GAMMA Rwanda president, Mwizerwa (Left) and Uganda's Titus Tugume have agreed working together to promote MMA in Rwanda