In Dambe, the favorite doesn’t always win. In fact, some of the most legendary moments come when an underdog flips the script, shocking the crowd and rewriting the rankings. Upsets in Dambe are powerful because they remind us that nothing is guaranteed once the drums begin.
One unforgettable upset happened in Season 3’s Katsina opener, when Yansanda stunned reigning heavyweight champion Dogo Maitakwasara with a crushing second-round TKO. The upset left fans buzzing for weeks, proving that even champions can fall when they underestimate a hungry challenger.
Lightweights have also given fans shocking moments. Messi’s victory over international fighter Salim showed how preparation and focus can overcome experience and reputation. Upsets like these aren’t accidents — they come from fighters who are overlooked, yet have studied, trained, and seized their moment.
So, what causes these upsets? It often comes down to three factors: conditioning, strategy, and mental toughness. Underdogs usually enter with nothing to lose, giving them the freedom to fight aggressively. Meanwhile, champions can be thrown off by overconfidence or fatigue.
Upsets keep Dambe exciting because they show that every fighter has a chance. Every punch carries possibility. Every fight has the power to change history. And fans wouldn’t have it any other way.