DFC Africa MMA

09/10/2026

OUR MISSION IS CLEAR: BUILDING THE FUTURE OF MMA IN NIGERIA.
As we prepare for the 2nd Sunday Dare National Open Mixed Martial Arts Championship, scheduled for 14–18 October 2026 in Bayelsa State, the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) remains focused on a clear mission: to strengthen the technical foundation of our sport, uphold its integrity, protect our athletes, and establish standards that align with international best practices.
At a time when Mixed Martial Arts is experiencing remarkable growth across the globe, Nigeria must not be left behind. Our ambition goes beyond organising competitions; we are building a system that prioritises technical excellence, athlete safety, professional officiating, and sustainable development.
This championship is a strategic milestone in that journey. It provides an opportunity to strengthen our technical structures and advance the competencies of our referees, judges, cutmen, inspectors, and other officials as we prepare for the forthcoming National Sports Festival.
The inclusion of MMA in the Festival is a testament to the commitment of the Federation’s Board and the support of the relevant sports authorities towards advancing the sport. It also reinforces our responsibility to ensure that our athletes and technical officials are adequately prepared to compete and operate at the highest possible standards.
We are clear about what we want to achieve. We are building capacity, strengthening systems, enforcing safety standards, protecting the integrity of MMA, and creating a credible pathway for Nigerian athletes to progress from grassroots participation to international competition.
For us, development must be deliberate, standards must be upheld, and athlete welfare must remain paramount. Every championship is an opportunity to improve the system, raise expectations, and move Nigerian MMA closer to global excellence.
Bayelsa 2026 is not just another championship. It is a deliberate step in our development strategy and a clear demonstration of where we are taking Nigerian MMA.
Our direction is clear. Our commitment is firm. Our mission is defined.
We are not merely growing the sport; we are building the structures, standards, and technical capacity that will secure its future.
Amb. Henry George
President
Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF)

08/10/2026

🥊🇳🇬 BAYELSA STATE: BUILDING A NEW HOME FOR MMA IN NIGERIA!
As Bayelsa prepares to host the 2nd Sunday Dare National Open MMA Championship (14th–18th October 2026), I sincerely commend the Government of Bayelsa State and the management of the Bayelsa State Sports Council for this visionary initiative.
Beyond hosting a championship, Bayelsa is investing in talent discovery, youth empowerment, sports tourism, and the future of MMA in Nigeria. This initiative will create opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials while positioning Bayelsa as a leading centre for MMA development.
As President of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, I appreciate this commitment to sports excellence and sustainable development.
Bayelsa is not just hosting a championship; it is building champions and creating a lasting legacy!
🏆 BAYELSA: THE EMERGING POWERHOUSE OF MMA IN NIGERIA! 🇳🇬🥊

30/09/2026

NMMAF President Visits Bayelsa Ahead of 2nd Sunday Dare Open Championship

The President of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Amb. Henry George, has visited Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, as preparations intensify for the 2nd Sunday Dare Open National Championship, scheduled for 14–18 October 2026.
Amb. George, alongside representatives of the Bayelsa State MMA Association, held discussions with key sports and government stakeholders on preparations for the championship, including venue facilities, accommodation, transportation, medical services, security, media and athlete welfare.
The visit also focused on the long-term development of MMA in Bayelsa, with emphasis on youth and women’s participation, officials and coaches’ education, safeguarding, anti-doping, and creating clear pathways from grassroots development to national and international competition.
Speaking during the visit, Amb. George said:
“Our ambition is not simply to bring an event to Bayelsa. We want to build a lasting legacy for MMA through athlete development, education, safeguarding and sustainable pathways to the national and international stage.
“We believe Bayelsa has the potential to become a major centre for MMA development in the South-South and, with the right structures, host bigger international events in the future.”
NMMAF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening state associations and creating safe, structured and sustainable opportunities for athletes across Nigeria.

28/09/2026

GROW FIRST. SHINE LATER. 🥊🔥
Every great fighter starts with a foundation.
The amateur journey is where fighters learn, adapt, gain experience, face challenges and develop the discipline needed for the next level.
To every young athlete chasing the spotlight: don’t skip the process. Take every fight seriously. Learn from every experience. Build your skills, confidence and fight IQ.

28/09/2026

BREAKING NEWS | NMMAF
2nd Sunday Dare National MMA Championship Moved to Bayelsa
The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) has officially rescheduled the venue of the 2nd Sunday Dare National Mixed Martial Arts Championship from Rivers State to Bayelsa State.
📍 Venue: Sports Complex, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State
📅 Date: 14th–18th October 2026
The championship will bring together athletes from across Nigeria for another major national showcase of mixed martial arts talent.

26/09/2026

23/09/2026

MMA NEWS HIGHLIGHT
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