Making Abidjan a leading MMA platform in Africa is a major pillar of Ismaël Bakayoko's vision. Through active sports diplomacy, international partnerships and the mobilization of institutional and economic players, he works to position Côte d'Ivoire as a strategic territory for hosting competitions, training talent and developing the MMA industry.
This ambition rests on strengthening relations with international organizations, promoters, investors and public institutions, to create an environment that favors major events, the professionalization of local players and new economic opportunities.
An active sports diplomacy that makes Côte d'Ivoire a credible territory for MMA development.
He was received at the Ministry of Sports, accompanied by Ismaël Bakayoko, during AML 10 in Korhogo, to discuss Côte d'Ivoire's potential to host major international events.
The IMMAF itself reported on this visit and on discussions about the 2027 African Championship. This step has strengthened Côte d'Ivoire's institutional visibility in international MMA.
Côte d'Ivoire will host the competition in Abidjan. A major opportunity for:
Invited by Julien Rongier, head of ARES Fighting Championship and Chief Revenue Officer of ARES MMA, to attend an ARES event and join professional discussions on organization, business development and the structuring of MMA, with expenses covered. This invitation is a significant sign of international professional recognition and shows the wish to build bridges between African and European organizations.
Invited to Morocco by Elias Schultz, PFL Africa representative, for professional discussions and experience-sharing, with expenses covered. Topics: professional MMA, event organization, business models, league structuring, opportunities for African athletes and future collaboration. For Côte d'Ivoire, these relations help place Abidjan in discussions on the future of professional African MMA.
Abidjan → Bouaké → Korhogo → Africa → International: making Côte d'Ivoire a regional hub.