NMMAF reaffirms authority to regulate, develop and secure a transparent future for Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria

The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) has reaffirmed its position as the sole national authority responsible for regulating, developing, and coordinating Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in the country.

Recognised by the Federal Ministry of Sports in 2023 and operating within the national sports framework under the National Sports Commission (NSC), the Federation emphasised that its mandate covers all categories of MMA — amateur, professional, and entertainment-based competitions — to ensure a unified, safe, and transparent structure for the sport’s sustainable growth in Nigeria.

“The Federation’s framework guarantees structure, safety, and discipline for the sport at every level,” NMMAF stated. “All MMA activities in Nigeria must operate within NMMAF’s regulatory system to ensure integrity, athlete welfare, and compliance with national standards.

”The Federation reiterated that regulation, sanctioning, and officiating of all MMA activities in Nigeria are vested exclusively in NMMAF. Participation in these processes, it said, requires formal authorization under the Federation’s framework.

According to NMMAF, foreign organizations or representatives wishing to operate within Nigeria’s MMA ecosystem must first obtain an NMMAF licence or sanctioning approval before conducting any activity.

Similarly, all certifications, licenses, and credentials used for practice, officiating, or event participation in Nigeria are recognised only when validated and registered through the NMMAF system in line with national regulations.

“Any credential intended for use in the country must align with the Federation’s governance standards and oversight requirements,” the statement added.The Federation warned that entities or individuals operating outside these provisions are in violation of national sports regulations.

Offenders face fines starting from ₦5 million for unlicensed operations and ₦2 million for unsanctioned events. In addition, officials and athletes involved in unlicensed or unsanctioned activities will face a four-year suspension from all NMMAF-recognised programs and events.

“These procedures are mandatory and apply without exception,” the statement said. “They exist to protect athletes, uphold governance, and maintain a clean, credible, and professionally regulated foundation for the sport’s continued development in Nigeria.”NMMAF further stressed that its licensing, sanctioning, and officiating powers extend across all MMA activities within the country and that foreign or external involvement must comply fully with the Federation’s established oversight — consistent with internationally recognized principles of sports governance and development.

Reaffirming its openness to collaboration, NMMAF said it welcomes credible local and international partners committed to advancing Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria responsibly, safely, and sustainably, in full compliance with its governance framework.

“Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria is advancing on a strong and transparent foundation,” the Federation concluded.

“Our framework ensures structure, safety, and professionalism across every aspect of the sport’s growth.

”For licensing, inquiries, or event sanctioning, stakeholders are encouraged to contact the NMMAF Secretariat through official communication channels.