At training camp in Y'de: Fighter, Maxwell Nana, urges young athletes to uphold discipline, consistency.

The intensive session kicked off Saturday, August 2, at the PFL Africa training headquarters in the Bastos neighbourhood of Yaounde. 

The training focused on foundational techniques such as footwork, punching, transitions to takedowns, ground defense, and submission maneuvers. 

Nana, who recently triumphed in an international bout in Cape Town, South Africa, emphasised the need for grassroots development in MMA within Cameroon. 

Addressing reporters during the event, he expressed deep satisfaction with the turnout and the quality of engagement. 

“This training camp is not just for me or for the fighters. It's for Cameroon,” Nana told reporters. 

“We have a lot of great talent here, and through camps like this, we can detect and shape fighters who can compete internationally” the fighter noted.

When quizzed on the importance of the session, the four-time world champion in professional sambo and an active contender in the Professional Fighters League PFL, shared that training others also helps him improve his own performance.

 “I’m not here as a teacher, but as a brother. It’s a mutual exchange. When I teach, I also learn,” he said.

Fresh from a victorious outing in Cape Town, South Africa, Nana reflected on his journey, noting that his achievements did not come by chance.

 “To win, you don’t just wake up and fight. You have to train every day, manage your life, and stay disciplined,” he shared. 

“Every time I hear Cameroon’s national anthem at a tournament, it brings me immense joy. It’s a moment of national pride” the fighter mentioned.

Maxwell Nana is currently preparing for his third PFL bout, scheduled for October. 

The upcoming fight will be part of the quarterfinals for the PFL Africa Championship.  

“I’ve fought in the US and against top-tier fighters from Côte d’Ivoire. My goal now is to win the upcoming fight in Uganda and then go for the PFL belt in December,” he stated.

He has encouraged his fellow Cameroonian fighters, three of whom will be in action next week in the PFL Africa Tournament to stay focus and embrace discipline both in and out of the ring. 

“Being a great fighter is not enough. You need the right attitude. I want us to work as a team and stay at the top,” he advised.

Participants engage to use skills learned

One of the camp participants, Awona Joseph, a decorated Sambo fighter, shared his excitement and appreciation for the experience. 

The 79kg athlete, who is preparing for a world-level competition, said the training session came at a perfect time.

“Maxwell and I used to train together before he left for England. It’s such a pleasure to have him back,” Awona said. 

“He taught us so many things, low kicks, middle kicks, transitions, that fit perfectly into my technical game plan” Awona added.

Despite a tight schedule, the fighter remains optimistic about his chances at the upcoming world tournament. 

“We leave this Friday. Preparation has been intense, but I’m ready to go for gold,” said the African Sambo champion and bronze medallist.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3523 of Monday August 04, 2025