Hasan Khan
Dr. Armando Carlos Diogo has emerged as one of the most influential figures in African combat sports, redefining the intersection of social progress and athletic development in Angola. As President of the Federação Angolana de MMA (FAMMA) and the visionary behind the internationally recognised CrimeZero project, Dr. Diogo has shown how sport, particularly Mixed Martial Arts can be a powerful tool for transformation both inside and outside the cage.
CrimeZero: Sport as a Solution to Social Challenges
Unveiled to international audiences at the 2025 World Police Summit in Dubai, the CrimeZero project is a unique initiative that combines martial arts with hip-hop culture to engage at-risk youth and reduce juvenile crime. Developed by FAMMA in partnership with the Angola Police Sport Association and supported by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), the programme uses gym based mentorship, community outreach and competitive opportunity to help redirect the lives of vulnerable young people.
“These few days at the World Police Forum were filled with interactions with representatives of police forces from nearly 120 countries”, said Dr. Diogo during the event. “It sparked real interest from them, and they see how juvenile crime can be tackled with the help of sport.”
Since its launch, CrimeZero has enrolled over 200 participants, many of whom have gone on to represent Angola at IMMAF continental and world championships. The programme is now being explored as a scalable model for modern policing and social rehabilitation globally.
From Grassroots to Global Stage: The Rise of FAMMA
Founded in 2021, FAMMA quickly earned national and international credibility under Dr. Diogo’s leadership. That same year, Angola became an official member of IMMAF, establishing itself within the international MMA governance structure. FAMMA wasted no time in organising its first National Championships in 2022, which included youth, junior, and senior divisions, laying the foundation for a national athlete pipeline.
Angola made an impressive debut at the 2022 IMMAF Africa Championships, finishing second in the medal standings and capturing 13 medals. That momentum continued with the emergence of young stars like Gisela Luana, who became the first ever IMMAF African Youth Champion in her category. These successes speak to FAMMA’s deep commitment to athlete development and youth engagement through projects like CrimeZero .
Recognition and Continental Influence
By 2023, Angola’s influence on the African MMA landscape had grown significantly. FAMMA successfully hosted the IMMAF Africa Championships in Luanda, the first time the event had been held outside South Africa. The Angolan national team went on to deliver a historic performance at the 2024 African championships, winning 37 medals, including 11 golds. The event also symbolised Angola’s emerging leadership in African MMA.
Dr. Diogo’s work gained further recognition later that year when he was appointed to the Board of Directors of the African Confederation of Mixed Martial Arts (AMMAC), underscoring his impact on continental development and policy shaping in the sport.
Angola once again played host to the IMMAF Africa Championships in 2025, marking a significant milestone with the debut of the Masters division on the continental stage. The national team delivered a dominant performance, finishing at the top of the medal table with an impressive haul of 84 medals, including 36 golds. These milestones reflect years of sustained effort in creating a structured, competitive environment that blends grassroots development with international exposure.
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Diogo continues to champion MMA not just as a sport, but as a movement for social good. Through his leadership at FAMMA and initiatives like CrimeZero, he has helped position Angola as a model for how national federations can align elite performance with community development.
His approach is clear: sport must be inclusive, disciplined and impactful. Whether working with government bodies, international partners or local communities, Dr. Diogo brings a long term vision that places human development at the centre of athletic success.
As Angola rises through the ranks of global MMA, Dr. Armando Diogo’s legacy is already visible, in medals, in mentorship, and in the lives changed through the power of sport.
