From Village to Victory
By Francis Maingaila
Lusaka, Zambia24 — November 7, 2025
Zambian mixed martial artist Miracle “The Miracle” Chibito has made history by becoming the first Zambian to sign a professional contract with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), one of the world’s most competitive mixed martial arts promotions.
The signing, witnessed at the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Arts headquarters in Lusaka, marks a major milestone for Zambia’s growing mixed martial arts (MMA) scene and a new chapter for the country’s sports development.
Speaking during the ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Sports, Youth and Arts, Chileshe Kangwa, said the event represented “a moment of national pride” and demonstrated the success of Zambia’s structured athlete development programmes.
“This achievement is more than just a signing — it is a testament to what can be achieved when talent is nurtured, guided, and supported,” Kangwa said. “For the first time, we are witnessing an athlete who has risen from the grassroots through the national and continental stages to the global professional arena.”
Kangwa said the ministry was proud that Zambia’s sporting potential was being recognized globally and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating clear pathways for athletes to transition from amateur to professional levels.
“Miracle’s success shows that with coordination, transparency, and purpose, we can produce athletes of international calibre,” he added. “This is the kind of structured growth we want to see across all sports disciplines.”
Chibito, who is currently ranked number one flyweight in the world by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), has recorded a series of outstanding performances over the past two years.
She won gold at the 2025 IMMAF Africa Championships in Angola, silver at the 2025 IMMAF World Championships in Georgia, and silver medals at both the 2024 World and African Championships.
Her consistent success, Kangwa said, reflected Zambia’s growing sports infrastructure and the positive impact of partnerships between the Ministry, the National Sports Council of Zambia, and sports federations such as MMA Zambia.
MMA Zambia President Henry Shoko commended the ministry and the National Sports Council for their continued support, saying it has allowed the federation to establish structured coaching and athlete development systems.
“We are proud of Miracle’s accomplishments and the progress of our athletes,” Shoko said. “From a team of nine competitors at the recent IMMAF World Championships, we brought home three medals. This shows the immense potential Zambia has in MMA.”
Outgoing IMMAF President Benjamin Bush described Chibito’s signing as a “foot in the door” for all Zambian fighters aspiring to compete on the global stage.
“This is not just about Miracle — it’s about the future of MMA in Zambia,” Bush said. “Her multi-fight contract with the PFL opens doors for other athletes to follow.”
An emotional Miracle Chibito thanked the government, the MMA federation, and her supporters for believing in her journey.
“I started without a clear vision, but I never gave up,” she said. “This victory is not just mine — it’s for MMA Zambia and for every girl child who believes she can achieve greatness. I was born in a village, but God brought me here to show that with determination and humility, anything is possible.”
Chibito’s signing is expected to inspire a new generation of Zambian athletes to pursue professional careers in combat sports, highlighting the country’s growing reputation in international sports circles.
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