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Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation Hosts Inaugural Sunday Dare National MMA Championship in Abuja

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The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) proudly hosted the first-ever Sunday Dare National MMA Championship on Saturday, October 27, 2024, at the Velodrome, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The groundbreaking event featured thrilling matches among 30 amateur fighters from across the nation and served as an important step in advancing MMA within Nigeria’s sports landscape.

This landmark event was made possible through the collaborative support of NMMAF’s key partners, Cloud 9 and AFC, who are committed to advancing the sport of MMA in Nigeria.

Their partnership with NMMAF underscores the shared vision of providing a powerful platform for Nigerian athletes and creating pathways for national and international excellence in Mixed Martial Arts.

The event kicked off with a technical seminar aimed at training MMA officials and referees. The seminar, attended by 13 officials, covered the latest officiating practices following the IMMAF syllabus, ensuring the Federation’s personnel are up-to-date with global standards.

This initiative reflects NMMAF’s dedication to providing a solid foundation for MMA officiating in Nigeria as the sport grows in popularity and professionalism.

The main event saw over 30 amateur fighters demonstrate their skills and passion, competing for Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.

Winners were awarded medals, and grading certificates were also presented, marking key milestones in the athletes’ MMA journeys.

The competition served as a platform for NMMAF to identify and nurture athletes who will go on to represent their states at the upcoming National Sports Festival and other international championships.

The Championship’s significance was further underscored by the presence of Mary Onyali, MFR, who represented the former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Sunday Dare.

Onyali expressed her delight at the rapid progress of the NMMAF and praised the Federation’s role in promoting discipline and resilience among Nigerian youth.

She emphasized her belief that MMA could play a significant part in curbing youth restiveness and fostering positive engagement in Nigeria.

“This event not only celebrates our athletes and officials but also showcases the immense potential of Mixed Martial Arts as a force for youth empowerment in Nigeria,” Onyali stated. “Hon. Sunday Dare has long championed initiatives that uplift our young people, and we are thrilled to see the NMMAF taking strides in this direction.”

NMMAF President, Amb. Henry George also spoke about the Federation’s future, affirming its commitment to the development of MMA across the nation.

“Our focus remains on sustained growth and continuous improvement of the standard of the sport. We are really United in our shared vision for a gold-standard federation. We are confident Nigeria will produce world Champions in the nearest future. NMMAF encourages athletes to remain focused and consistent in attending championships so as to sustain the momentum already built by the federation.” he stated.

The Sunday Dare National MMA Championship marks a milestone for NMMAF, spotlighting the sport’s growth and future in Nigeria.

With an increasing number of participants and spectators, the NMMAF continues to work diligently to expand MMA’s reach and impact.

The Federation is now setting its sights on the National Sports Festival, where select athletes identified through this Championship will have the chance to represent their states and compete at the highest national level

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