Over 76 Nigerian fighters will today begin their journey into the famous AFC World Series in Lagos. The event that is taking place at the Teslim Balogun Stadium will see the fighters compete for the next four days in the AFC World Series, founded by visionary entrepreneur Raad Aswani.

The AFC World Series has become the first private promotion in African history to be officially recognised as a continental ranking ground for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

Speaking at the Teslim Balogun Stadium yesterday during a press conference to herald the event, Aswani said: “It is the first time, as Africa is building a single, verified MMA ranking system. This milestone event firmly places Africa on the global combat sports map.”

According to him, the AFC World Series came into Nigeria through the AFC’s collaboration with the African Mixed Martial Arts Confederation (AMMAC), and was endorsed by the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

He stated that champions in the various bouts will be honoured by NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General, Bukola Olopade, personally at the end of the event.

“It is a powerful signal of government leadership standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Africa’s next generation of athletes,” Aswani stated. Speaking further, Aswani said that the AFC World Series will serve as a unifying factor for federations, academies, and promotions to feed in verified bouts.

“By aligning with NMMAF, AMMAC, and IMMAF standards, the AFC World Series ensures African fighters are not just spectators in this journey; they are contenders on the global stage.

“This event in Lagos is open for amateur fighters and is a platform that inspires gyms, fighters, and nations to compete harder while providing international scouts and regulators with credible verification,” Aswani further explained.

Also speaking at the event, the president of MMA in Nigeria, Henry George, said that everything needed to make the event successful has been put in place, just as Lagos State government’s representative, Dr Oluyomi Oluwasanmi, also assured of a smooth event. He commended Aswani for his giant steps so far.

One of the rising stars in the profession, United States-based Saqid Yusuf, said he came to Lagos to give the young fighters the encouragement they need to excel in the game.

Meanwhile, the Indoor Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium is already wearing a new look for the event.  Stage workers were seen putting finishing touches to the ring inside the complex yesterday.