Benjamin Bush Resigns as President of MMA Zambia After Transformative Tenure
Benjamin Bush, the founding President of MMA Zambia, has officially announced his resignation from the position, marking the end of a historic chapter for mixed martial arts in the country.
In a heartfelt statement, Bush reflected on his eight-year journey since returning to Zambia, the country of his birth, and the profound growth of MMA from a non-existent sport into a nationally recognized and internationally competitive discipline.
“When I arrived back in Zambia eight years ago, Mixed Martial Arts didn’t exist here—not in any formal or structured sense,” Bush stated. “What started as a small social project, Ulemu Fight Academy, became ground zero for MMA in Zambia.”
Ulemu, originally aimed at youth empowerment through sport, has grown to produce over 80% of Zambia’s MMA clubs and coaches and now serves as a pilot program for the federation’s vulnerable youth initiatives. Bush emphasized the gym’s success as a product of hard work and resilience, despite facing suspicion and jealousy.
Under Bush’s leadership, MMA Zambia achieved major milestones. The federation gained full recognition from the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in 2021 and was named IMMAF’s Global Federation of the Year in 2022, a first for a Southern African country.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come,” Bush said. “MMA Zambia has built platforms for athlete exposure, domestic competition, national team selection, and international representation.”
He also used his statement to highlight the need for deeper collaboration between sports federations and government agencies. Calling for more transparent, merit-based funding and planning, Bush urged the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the National Sports Council to work closely with federations to achieve shared goals.
Bush’s resignation comes on the heels of Zambia’s stunning performance at the 2025 Africa Championships in Luanda, Angola. Despite sending only six athletes, the national team secured five medals—including gold, two silver, and two bronze.
A standout was Miracle Chipito, who clinched gold in dominant fashion and has now emerged as a continental superstar. Alongside her, fellow pioneer Mutinta Mweene continues to inspire the growth of women’s MMA in Zambia.
As Bush steps down, he leaves behind a legacy of vision, sacrifice, and grassroots impact that has propelled MMA Zambia from obscurity to international acclaim.
No official announcement has been made yet on Bush’s successor.
