Premya Wankoun, a 23-year-old athlete from Benin, secured the gold medal in the under 73 kg category at the 2026 GAMMA African MMA Championships held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. This significant accomplishment marks a high point in her career, reflecting years of disciplined preparation and physical conditioning. Reflecting on the victory, Wankoun stated, "Ça m’encourage, ça me montre que je suis quelqu’un de très persévérante, qui a un grand potentiel en elle, qui peut accomplir de grandes choses." She navigates the sport with a clear sense of identity, noting, "On peut être femme féminine et pratiquer une discipline où il y a beaucoup d’hommes qui s’y retrouvent généralement." Describing the personal impact of her training, the champion added, "Grâce au sport, j’arrive à me retrouver pleinement, à avoir le contrôle et à m’apaiser d’une certaine manière."
The path to the podium in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, required consistent effort and a structured approach to her daily life as a professional fighter. Her victory in the under 73 kg category confirms her status as a top-tier competitor within the continental circuit.
From Taekwondo to MMA
Premya Wankoun began practicing taekwondo at age 10. This early foundation in martial arts preceded her transition into mixed martial arts. She has been practicing MMA for two years. Her dedication to the sport developed alongside her previous experience in taekwondo. These two disciplines define the athletic path Wankoun followed before her recent success at the 2026 GAMMA African MMA Championships. The transition from the specific techniques of taekwondo to the multifaceted demands of MMA allowed her to build a versatile skill set. Integrating striking, grappling, and defensive maneuvers has been a primary focus of her two years of dedicated MMA training, enabling her to adapt to the diverse challenges presented in the cage.
International Success and Recognition
Premya Wankoun achieved international recognition during the MMA World Championships held in Brazil in August 2025. She secured two medals at the competition, including one silver medal. These performances established her standing in the global mixed martial arts community prior to her subsequent victory at the 2026 GAMMA African MMA Championships. Competing in Brazil against a field of international opponents provided her with essential experience on the world stage. The results in August 2025 served as a catalyst for her continued growth, validating her training regimen and competitive strategy.
Beyond her athletic pursuits, Premya Wankoun maintains a background in higher education. She holds a master's degree in project management and quality management. This academic qualification complements her training schedule and professional development as a competitive athlete. Balancing the rigorous demands of advanced studies in project management and quality management with the intensity of professional MMA training requires a high degree of organizational skill. Her ability to manage these dual commitments reflects the same discipline she brings to her performance in the under 73 kg category. The analytical skills developed through her academic pursuits continue to inform her approach to both her career and her development as a martial artist.