Mixed Martial Arts Federation ends awareness championship, set for world tourney in South Africa

Technical Director, Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Shihan Victor Akhimien (VICAMEN), has commended participants at the just-concluded Mixed Martial Arts training and championship, which ended at Asaba, Delta State.

Akhimien said the programme is part of the federation’s programme to develop the sport in line with standards set by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).

He revealed that IMMAF, which is the official partner of UFC in Nigeria, is working towards discovering more stars from the country, adding that Nigerian professional fighters like current champions of UFC champions, Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya, support the development of the sport in the country.

The technical director said the four-day programme exposed officials and athletes to new techniques in the sport, standard rules needed for athletes to be eligible to compete and officiate in amateur mixed martial arts contests.

According to Akhimien, a seventh-degree Karate Black Belt holder, “over 140 participants took part in the programme, which was certified by the world body. They were trained on basic technics, officiating matches safely, how to score points and part of the body used for fighting MMA.

“Course and belt grading certificates were also awarded to deserving athletes, coaches and referees in line with IMMAF standards.

“We were impressed with what we saw in Asaba and another of such programmes will hold later this month in Ahoada, Rivers State, as part our grassroots initiative.

“We have an online application set up by the world body on Google play store for anyone interested in MMA. The federation is readily available to provide answers to questions and help Nigerians to attain success in the sport.”

He expressed optimism that Nigeria will excel at the forthcoming World Championship in South Africa slated for April 28, as well as other international competitions.

Akhimien urged corporate bodies to key into the Federation’s vision to raise great MMA talents.