The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, NMMAF has confirmed it will hold a five days National Open Amateur Championship in Asaba, Delta State to enhance the performance of athletes, coaches and train officials in line with guidelines of the International Federation.
The championship which is scheduled to hold from 4th to 8th of March, 2022 in Asaba the Delta State capital will feature trainers, officials, mixed martial artist athletes with DFC Africa and Nigerian Mixed Martial Artists.
Confirming the championship to Federation’s media, President of the NMMAF, Ambassador Henry George said the event will serve as a medium to select athletes for the national team ahead of the Mixed Martial Arts African Championship in South Africa on April 30th.
He noted, “mixed martial arts in Nigeria has come a long way and people are beginning to follow the sports fully, this event is pure amateur mixed martial arts championship, there is also going to be a training for the referees and athletes because it is the duty of the Federation to ensure that the sports safe.
“The athletes need to know the scoring pattern and the prohibited technique, the referees also need to know proper scoring in a competitive environment so this championship is coming at this time because we are having mixed-martial-arts African championship coming up on the 30th of April and Nigeria as a nation is going to be there, so we are using this championship as a means of selection for the National squad”, he added.
George who is a former mixed martial arts champion said the event is important for traditional martial artist that want to transit to other fields of the Sport.
He explained, “this is very important for all traditional martial artist that want to make transition to sports in martial arts, so if you want to make transition to mixed martial artist, if you are from boxing background, karate background or taekwondo background or you have been training and you need certification this is a program for you. Come for the training so you know the basics of mixed martial arts and this gives you the opportunity to compete with certification from world recognized body.”
The five day event in Asaba is geared towards certifying amateur athletes, officials, coaches and is recognized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, IMMAF.
