By Emmanuel Ogbodo
Abuja is poised to become a prominent hub for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), in Africa, according to the African Fighting Championship (AFC).
The organization’s recent event, the MMA National Championship held in Abuja, marked the beginning of what AFC Co-founder, George Oladipupo Younes envisions as a significant growth era for MMA in Nigeria.
Younes emphasized that the capital city’s infrastructure and passionate fan base make it an ideal location for fostering sports tourism and advancing MMA opportunities across the country.
Speaking at the event, Younes, alongside Co-founders, Rada Aswani and his brother Christopher, expressed excitement over the future of Nigerian MMA. He called the inaugural AFC 001 event a “dream come true” and a foundation for many more competitions that will elevate local fighters and broaden MMA’s reach.
The AFC also plans to support university students interested in pursuing MMA, creating pathways for young athletes to develop their skills and pursue professional careers.
Recognizing the growing popularity of MMA, the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s President, Ambassador Henry George, commended the AFC’s efforts. He highlighted the federation’s goal to enhance training facilities and provide additional opportunities for Nigerian fighters, underscoring the sport’s rapid expansion and enthusiastic fan base in the nation.
