History in the making: Nigeria to compete at IMMAF World Championships for the first time

For the very first time, Nigeria will be represented at the prestigious IMMAF World Championships — a landmark moment that signals the country’s official entry onto the global Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) stage.

From September 27 to October 2, 2025, the city of Tbilisi, Georgia, will host the world’s best amateur fighters.

Among them will be Nigeria’s own Benjamin Edozie (@benjymma), carrying the national flag with pride as he steps into history.

The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) is the world’s governing body for amateur MMA, respected for its strict rules on athlete development, competition safety, and governance.

Its annual World Championships attract competitors from more than 120 nations, making it the ultimate proving ground for upcoming fighters.Edozie’s selection is more than a personal triumph.

It represents years of work by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), who have built the framework and credibility needed to give Nigerian fighters a global pathway.

Under the leadership of NMMAF President Ambassador Henry George and Vice President Mario W., the Federation has turned passion into progress.

Nigerian fighters now have opportunities to compete on the biggest stages, supported by structures that will ensure their talent is properly developed and recognized.

“Nigeria has always had fighting spirit in its DNA. For the first time, that spirit will be tested at the highest level of amateur MMA. This is not only history being written — it is the dawn of a future where our fighters inspire generations to come,” said Ambassador Henry George.

Vice President Mario W. added: “This moment is bigger than sport. It is about showing that with structure, vision, and unity, Nigerian fighters can rise to any stage, anywhere in the world. Our athletes are not going to Georgia merely to participate — they are going to compete, to inspire, and to redefine what is possible for Nigeria in global sport.”

For Nigeria, this debut is not just about one fighter. It is about announcing the nation’s presence to the world, about resilience, talent, and the unbreakable spirit of a people determined to leave their mark.

As the countdown begins, the battle lines are drawn. The world is watching, and Team Nigeria is ready to fight for history.