The Biafran Warrior Unleashed: The MMA Journey of Emmanuel Onyedikachi 

BY EMMANUEL CHIDERA AMOKE

When it comes to combat sports, Western Africa boasts some of the world’s top and most celebrated fighters, including Anthony Joshua and Adesanya Israel from Nigeria, as well as Frances Ngannou from Cameroon, and a host of others. Among them is Emmanuel Onyedikachi, a Nigerian of Igbo descent who is quickly making a name for himself in the MMA world.

Based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Onyedikachi is a professional middleweight MMA artist with the moniker “The Biafran Warrior.” He Currently ranks as the number 4 active light heavyweight MMA Fighter in South East Asia.  

Onyedikachi’s journey into the fighting career was not without challenges, as his parents initially discouraged him, aspiring for him to enter the priesthood. Despite this, influenced by a family tradition of boxing, he began boxing at the age of 12 under the guidance of his father and uncle, both professional boxers.

The 36-year-old fighter emphasizes that every opponent, regardless of their experience, is a promising threat in the ring, revealing that he approaches each fight with the mindset of facing a formidable adversary. Known for his relentless leg kicks, especially targeting opponents’ hamstring with his iron foot, Onyedikachi believes in preparing for each fight as if he’s facing a lion.

Onyedikachi had quit his job as a general manager of PPT Gasoline station, to start combat. He joined forces with Kun Khmer and ONE athlete, Chan Rothana, and does most of his stand-up training at the renowned Selapak gym. His journey led him to Rich Franklin’s ONE Warrior Series, where he has showcased his skills in 5 matches, securing victories in series 1, 2, 3, and 8, with one knockout, while experiencing a loss in series 4 to USA’s Bam Morris.

Despite the sacrifices made to pursue his passion, Onyedikachi is confident that he made the right decision. With determination in his voice, he expresses, “It just takes a little bit of pain to become great.” For him, fighting is not just a career; it’s the life he dreamed of living, stating, “This is my dream life.”