DWCS 2025: Episode 10 Breakdown and Predictions

Featherweight, Marwan Rahiki (6-0) vs. Ananias Mulumba (9-2)

Notable Notes

• Rahiki has won two separate titles in his last two fights
• Rahiki hasn’t been fighting as a pro for two years
• Rahiki has a 100% finish-rate
• Mulumba is 0-1 to the decision
• Mulumba has a mix of finishes in rounds one and two
• Mulumba’s loss is to his only tough opponent
• Mulumba’s only loss was by submission

Marwan Rahiki

Rahiki, a Moroccan-born kickboxer who relocated to Australia, quickly became one of the most avoided young prospects in the country, so it’s great to see him getting this opportunity. Before transitioning to MMA, Rahiki honed his skills in kickboxing, even capturing the Oceania K1 Championship in 2022. Few fighters are willing to test their luck against him in a striking battle.

While his takedown defense could use improvement, his jiu-jitsu is solid enough to help him get back to his feet. Before MMA, Rahiki competed in BJJ tournaments, so he’s definitely competitive there. I wouldn’t call him an offensive grappler, but he can hold a submission threat over a grappler, and his ground-and-pound is effective.

Outside of maybe using more feints, his striking is legit. He doesn’t rely heavily on feints because his setups are built into his combinations. He’ll throw one-two feeler strikes and find the target or opening in an extended combo. Rahiki’s striking arsenal is diverse and dangerous—wheel kicks, oblique kicks, knees, elbows, and more.

Ananias Mulumba

I didn’t expect much from Mulumba going into the tape, but I really enjoyed watching him. Not only is he fun to watch, he’s a solid fighter. He’s a freak athlete—super explosive and capable wherever the fight takes him.

On the feet, he has a controlled chaos style. Mulumba doesn’t always have a lot of thought behind what he throws, but he throws in volume, and with his power and explosiveness, he’s extremely dangerous. He lands some nasty leg kicks and likes to go inside, following with heavy right-left hooks. He throws from both sides and attacks through the middle. In the clinch, he’s physically dominant and effective with elbows. At times, he can swing himself off balance, but when he’s throwing in volume, the sheer force makes it hard to capitalize on mistakes.

His takedown defense is tested often, but so far he’s able to dig underhooks, push opponents off, and maintain a solid sprawl. Offensively, he’s not a great wrestler, but he can take guys down to mix things up. His jiu-jitsu can be a little overzealous, but that’s because he’s aggressively chasing the finish. The technique on his rear-naked choke isn’t perfect, but he has so much squeeze it doesn’t matter.

The best work Mulumba does on the mat is inflicting damaging ground-and-pound, and he doesn’t let up. He’s a fighter you want to back because he’s always moving forward and pressing for the finish. He hasn’t beaten anyone elite yet, so it’s unclear how far he belongs, but with his athletic gifts, he has serious potential.

Prediction: I really wish these two were fighting different opponents because I’m a big fan of both of their styles. As a pure striker, Rahiki is clearly superior—sharper, with more weapons, and more polished overall. His biggest concern is the physicality Mulumba brings; Mulumba isn’t going to give him the space he needs to make reads.

Rahiki has the better footwork, but I imagine Mulumba’s pressure will slow him down as the fight goes on. We could see either guy wrestle, and while Rahiki is more technically skilled, Mulumba is the tougher matchup there. I don’t see Mulumba being taken down, and I’m not sure Rahiki’s wrestling would be a game-changer in this fight.

I lean toward Rahiki in a fight I expect to stay standing. He’s beaten better competition, has a solid chin, and is the cleaner striker. I’ve got Rahiki by decision, though I’m not overly confident.