What does the future hold for African MMA four years after the championships of Ngannou, Adesanya, and Usman?

Published on: 12/10/2026 - 09:15

4 min Reading time

Ateba Gautier's first-round knockout loss to Roman Kopylov at UFC 332 sparked significant disappointment. A punch from the Russian struck the face of the Cameroonian, who collapsed and suffered his first defeat in his budding career. At just 24 years old, Gautier is still young and has the potential to evolve. African MMA, on the other hand, also needs time to strengthen. Nevertheless, it could benefit from a new standout figure.

Gautier was on the rise before facing the formidable Kopylov. In his first five fights in the UFC, four ended in knockout victories, each showcasing his power and ferocity. This recalls the unconventional yet devastating boxing style of Francis Ngannou during his UFC years. One might wonder what they put in the water in Cameroon, where Gautier was also born in Yaoundé, to develop such strength. 

However, like others before him, he revealed his limits. This defeat will further delay the possibility of a transition, even partial, from the era of the "Three Kings." These three kings, Francis Ngannou, Israel Adesanya, and Kamaru Usman, were simultaneous champions in the heavyweight, middleweight, and welterweight divisions. A Cameroonian and two Nigerians brought Africa into the spotlight at the pinnacle of global MMA. These figures, while still formidable in the cage, have lost some of their luster over time. Even though Francis Ngannou continues to secure victories, he is now too far removed from the UFC to be considered among the best fighters in the world.

Few new talents emerging outside the UFC

Currently, aside from Dricus Du Plessis, who continues to proudly represent South Africa despite no longer being a champion, it is challenging to spot new talents. Especially outside the UFC. The latest African recruit? Adama Diop, the first Senegalese to enter the largest MMA league. “ Your boxing is terrible. (...) If you find yourself in the UFC, any heavyweight would take you down and claim victory. But the biggest problem is that you are 31 years old. So if you don’t get this chance, what will you do ? Where will you go ? Don’t make me regret this... ,” Dana White, the UFC president, told him before offering a contract. This is not exactly the kind of talk one would have with a promising future talent.

At the event on October 10 at PFL Africa, Yanis Ghemmouri headlined the card. A Moroccan fighter who was forcibly removed from the UFC after suffering only losses between 2023 and 2024. Within the Professional Fighters League (PFL), he is now a prominent figure. The message about the gap separating this league from the elite is quite clear.