Mixed Martial Arts has long been a sport dominated by two nations: Brazil and the United States of America. However, times are changing. The sport is evolving, and new nations are becoming competitive forces. Russia, Poland, and even Georgia have all produced multiple UFC champions in recent years. As more money pours into the sport, more countries are gaining the opportunity and funding to provide elite training for their fighters. These factors have contributed to the recent emergence of a new future force in the sport: Belgium.
In the past, Belgian mixed martial arts was often associated with one man—the former Strikeforce champion, Tarec Saffiedine. Saffiedine fought some of the sport’s best, including legends like Tyron Woodley, Rafael dos Anjos, and Rory MacDonald. But the landscape is shifting, and new potential superstars are emerging across multiple promotions. Oktagon, the PFL, the UFC, and KSW all now feature top contenders hailing from Belgium. This surge in talent has even led to the PFL announcing an event in the nation’s capital, Brussels, later this summer.
Losene “The Black Panther” Keita – Oktagon
When discussing Belgian mixed martial arts, Losene Keita takes centre stage. I recently wrote an article on why I believe the UFC must do everything in its power to sign the Oktagon double champion. Keita has all the makings of a superstar: talent, drive, and the confidence to climb the highest of mountains.
His skills were on full display in his last performance, when he moved up a weight class to defeat Ronald Paradeiser by TKO, claiming both the Oktagon Lightweight belt and the Gamechanger title. “The Black Panther” was simply too much for Paradeiser. With lightning-fast hand speed, elite takedown defence, and a relentless hunger to finish every fight, Keita presents a terrifying challenge for even the most skilled opponents. It feels like only a matter of time before he gets his chance on the sport’s biggest stage: the UFC.
Bolaji “ The Zulu Warrior” Oki – UFC
Speaking of the UFC, let’s look at the most exciting Belgian fighter currently in the organisation. Carrying a 2-1 record in the promotion, Oki has already shown signs of greatness. In his most recent performance at UFC Vegas 107, Oki dominated UFC debutant Michael Aswell, landing clean, powerful shots that would have left most opponents unconscious. “The Zulu Warrior” is a terrifying sight in the cage, with an intensity that few can match. Despite his early success, the best is certainly yet to come for Oki. He’s a fighter to watch closely—someone with the potential to become truly great.
Patrick “The Belgian Bomber” Habirora – PFL
The PFL is rich with Belgian talent, making it tough to highlight just one fighter. Boris Mbarga Atangana is certainly a name to watch in the coming years, as is Nicolas Di Franco. However, one man has particularly taken the MMA world by storm in recent months: Patrick Habirora.
Set to headline the upcoming PFL Brussels card, Habirora is a superstar in the making. With a professional record of 6-0 and five of those wins coming by knockout, it’s easy to see why fans are excited. Now, Habirora finally has the chance to showcase his skills in a major promotion, facing UFC veteran Danny Roberts in what promises to be a thrilling test for the surging prospect.
Cedric “Drik-O-Velli” Lushima – KSW
Cedric Lushima finds himself in a similar position to Habirora: 6-0 with five finishes, and recently signed to a major promotion. Lushima will make his KSW debut on June 14, facing the #3-ranked light heavyweight, Damian Piwowarczyk. That kind of debut opponent reflects how highly KSW regards Lushima—and with good reason. A true mixed martial artist, Lushima has finished three fights via submission and two by knockout. His ability to end fights in any position makes him a dangerous contender for anyone in the light heavyweight division. This man is going to be a problem for years to come.
All four of these fighters showcase the immense talent Belgium is cultivating in mixed martial arts. And they’re far from alone—rising stars like Boris Mbarga Atangana are also poised to break through. While Belgium might not yet be synonymous with MMA, that’s changing fast. With superstars waiting in the wings, the world is about to see exactly what Belgian fighters can do.
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