Jackiel Ayana, known as the Smiling Assassin, will meet Victor Dooga, the Benue Boy, in the main event of Akalaka 009: Battle of the Mystic Sword in Abuja on Saturday, October 31, with the prized Mystic Sword on the line.

Key takeaways

• The featherweight headline bout will take place at 21 Arena inside the National Council for Arts and Culture complex in Abuja.
• Akalaka 009’s programme includes eight MMA contests across six weight categories.
• Daniel and Casmir are set to contest the welterweight co-main event.
• Chima-Cole will also feature in a special exhibition boxing match against Inimfon Ekong, known as Woman Pharaoh.
• The official weigh-in and fighter face-offs have already been completed.

Fight night programme

Ayana and Dooga will contest a featherweight clash as they aim to establish themselves as the leading fighter and secure the Mystic Sword. The event is being staged at the 21 Arena at Abuja’s National Council for Arts and Culture.

Grandmaster Dr Ebere Bernard and the event organisers said at the pre-fight press conference that spectators could expect an entertaining card. They also stressed their intention to use the occasion to advance martial arts, discipline and cultural heritage.

Bernard said the show would give up-and-coming competitors a platform to display their ability, while also uniting figures from across the combat-sports sector. He urged fans of MMA, boxing and other fighting disciplines in Abuja and beyond to turn out for the event.

The card contains eight MMA bouts, covering lightweight, bantamweight, featherweight, welterweight, catchweight and the 93kg class.

• Joseph vs Ezekiel — lightweight
• Uchejim vs Dawodu — bantamweight
• Godwin Ambrose vs Chima-Cole — 93kg division
• Blessings vs Adams — women’s catchweight
• Nasiru vs Tobiloba — bantamweight
• Geoffrey vs Destiny — featherweight
• Daniel vs Casmir — welterweight co-main event

Exhibition contest adds to entertainment

Beyond his MMA contest with Godwin Ambrose, Chima-Cole will take part in a male-versus-female exhibition boxing bout against Inimfon Ekong, who is popularly called Woman Pharaoh.

The boxing exhibition is intended to provide an extra attraction for the crowd, with further entertainment also scheduled during the programme.

With the ceremonial weigh-in and final face-offs concluded, the focus shifts to fight night, when Ayana and Dooga enter the arena to decide who leaves Abuja with the Mystic Sword.