Morocco’s Oussama Assli Retains Karate Combat World Title With First-Round KO

Moroccan athletes continue to make their mark on the international stage, delivering standout performances that reflect the country's growing presence across a wide range of sports.

Rabat – Moroccan fighter Oussama Assli successfully defended his Karate Combat world title with a commanding first-round knockout victory, further cementing his status as one of the promotion’s leading champions.

Assli retained the Karate Combat 77 kg world championship on July 24 in Miami after defeating Brazilian challenger Lucas Martins by knockout in the opening round.

Martins is a former UFC fighter and former BRAVE CF lightweight champion, making the victory one of the most significant of Assli’s career.

The win marks Assli’s first successful title defense since capturing the world championship in December 2025, when he defeated Australia’s James Honey after five rounds to claim the belt.

Still undefeated in Karate Combat, Assli has continued his dominant run in the promotion, reinforcing his position among the organization’s top champions while extending an impressive winning streak.

Following the fight, the Moroccan champion dedicated his victory to King Mohammed VI and to Moroccans around the world.

He also highlighted the growing international success of Moroccan athletes, saying the country’s achievements now extend beyond football to include combat sports and other disciplines.