By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Former four-time Sambo champion and new Cameroon Professional Fighters League (PFL) heavyweight star, Maxwell Djantou Nana, have expressed his satisfaction after a two-day mentorship program in Yaounde. The event brought together more than 65 aspiring young fighters.
Held from August 2nd to 3rd, the training camp focused on the foundational skills of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Participants learned essential techniques, including footwork, punches, and transitions from striking to grappling, such as takedowns.
“I’m very satisfied because I have a lot of younger brothers here who are very talented and knowledgeable,” Djantou Nana said. “What we’re trying to do is inspire and help them develop.”
He stressed the importance of the training camp, noting it was not just for him or the young fighters, but for Cameroon as a whole. “It’s very important for Cameroon to show everyone that we have lots of great talent,” he stated, adding that he wants to pass on his expertise to create “many more Nana Djantous in Cameroon.”
Djantou Nana expressed his honor in sharing his knowledge. “I was able to see the potential, both in the youngest and the old.” He believes this camp and future initiatives will lead to more Cameroonian fighters on the global stage.
“I see many great fighters in the years to come because through this camp and many others that will be coming up, I think in five years, the world is going to have Cameroonian fighters everywhere,” he predicted.
The two-day program covered warm-ups, basic techniques, and defensive skills. Participants were taught how to deliver effective punches, defend themselves, and transition to groundwork, including submissions like chokes and armbars.
Djantou Nana, who has an upcoming fight in October 2025, sees teaching as a vital part of his own training. “The best way to train is to transmit because when we transmit, we wake up these neurons, and it allows us to remember that we can also make mistakes.” His goal is to win his next fight and secure the PFL belt in December.
With a professional record of seven wins and one loss—including six victories by knockout—Djantou Nana came to Cameroon after his recent win at the inaugural PFL Africa tournament in Cape Town. His victory brings him closer to becoming the first PFL Africa Heavyweight Champion.
He is set to face South Africa’s Justin Clarke in the semifinals in October. Known for his aggressive striking and finishing power, Maxwell’s only defeat came in his professional debut. He aims to follow in the footsteps of Francis Ngannou and become a dominant force in the sport, driven by the dream of hearing Cameroon’s national anthem played at major global events.
