Skip to main content

The Traffic NG

  • info@thetraffic.ng
  • 7 Nasir El Rufai Crescent, Guzape
THE TRAFFIC NG LOGO
THE TRAFFIC NG LOGO
ADVERTISE WITH US
Sunday Dare

The second Sunday Dare Open National Mixed Martial Arts Championship has concluded successfully in Bayelsa State, attracting more than 116 athletes from 12 states and five clubs in a competition aimed at promoting talent discovery, youth development and the growth of mixed martial arts in Nigeria.

The four-day championship, held from October 14 to 17, 2026, was organised by the Nigerian Mixed Martial Arts Federation in conjunction with the Bayelsa State Sports Council.

The federation said the competition provided a platform for athletes to demonstrate their skills, discipline, resilience and competitive abilities while strengthening the development of mixed martial arts across the country.

READ ALSO: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, CIOTA Seek Integrated Transport System to Drive $1tn Economy

It also confirmed that the championship concluded without casualties or unforeseen incidents, attributing the outcome to effective planning, coordination and the professionalism of officials, medical personnel and other stakeholders.

Among the leading medal-winning teams were Bayelsa State, Heroes Club, Delta State, Imo State and Enugu State.

The federation congratulated the participating athletes and teams, noting that their performances reflected the growing standard of mixed martial arts in Nigeria and the potential for further development of the sport.

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, Sunday Dare, was recognised for his support for Nigerian sports and youth development.

The federation also acknowledged the contributions of Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Pereotubo Akpe, and the state Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Daniel Igali, whose participation and support contributed to the championship.

Federation President Ambassador Henry George, Vice President Mario Manny, board members, coaches, referees, technical officials and volunteers were also commended for their roles in organising the competition.

The National Sports Commission received special recognition for its support, with the federation acknowledging Chairman Shehu Dikko, Director-General Bukola Olawale Olopade, Head of Federations and Elite Athletes Department Mbora Ikana, and other officials.

The federation particularly praised the medical team for maintaining readiness throughout the event and prioritising the health and safety of participating athletes.

It also commended referees and technical officials for ensuring that their responsibilities were carried out with fairness, discipline and professionalism.

Beyond the sporting results, the championship highlighted the potential of mixed martial arts to provide structured sporting opportunities for young Nigerians and create pathways for athletes seeking to compete at higher levels.

The successful participation of athletes from different states also demonstrated the importance of national competitions in identifying emerging talent and encouraging exchanges between clubs, coaches and sporting administrators.

Technology can further support the development of the sport through digital athlete registration, electronic record-keeping, performance analysis, competition management and improved communication among federations and clubs. However, the federation did not announce any specific technology initiatives associated with the championship.

The Bayelsa State Government and residents were also praised for their hospitality and support throughout the event.

In its appreciation message, the federation said the championship demonstrated what could be achieved through cooperation between government institutions, sports administrators, athletes and other stakeholders.

It reaffirmed its commitment to building a stronger, more competitive and professionally managed mixed martial arts community capable of earning greater recognition internationally.

The federation said the competition celebrated not only medals and victories but also discipline, courage, unity and opportunities for young athletes.

The successful conclusion of the championship is expected to support continued efforts to expand mixed martial arts participation and strengthen the sport’s development across Nigeria.

The Traffic NG
Sunday Dare CON PHD
Amarachi Ihesiulo

Ihesiulo Grace Amarachi is a Nigerian journalist, writer and media professional serving as the Editor-in-Chief of TheTraffic.NG, a digital news platform covering national and international affairs. Her editorial interests span politics, business, aviation, health, technology, entertainment, sports and social development. She is committed to credible journalism, insightful reporting and compelling storytelling that informs public discourse and keeps readers abreast of important developments in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

The Traffic NG

Categories

Search
Recent Post
priest
Ecuadorian Priest Dies After Crucifix Falls On
  • October 19, 2026
  • 3 min read
police
Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Rape In
  • October 19, 2026
  • 2 min read
Police
Rivers Police Remove Abuloma DPO Over Cultists’
  • October 19, 2026
  • 3 min read
    Featured Videos
    All Tags
    ADC AFCON Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Aliko Dangote Anthony Joshua APC Atiku Abubakar aviation CBN Court Customs Dangote EFCC FIFA First Lady First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu FRSC Gov. Hope Uzodimma Governor Hope Uzodimma INEC JAMB Lagos Lionel Messi NDLEA Nigeria NSC Nyesom Wike NYSC Oil PDP Peter Obi Police President Bola Ahmed Tinubu President Bola Tinubu Senate Senator Oluremi Tinubu sports Sunday Dare Super Eagles Super Falcons Taiwo Oyedele Troops United Nigeria Airlines Vice President Kashim Shettima Victor Osimhen

    Related Posts

    Nigeria’s Flamingos
    Sports
    Flamingos Fall 2-1 to Poland in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Opener
    Akor Adams
    Sports
    Akor Adams Fires Venezia to Historic Win Over Napoli
    Rasheedat Ajibade
    Sports
    Super Falcons Captain Rasheedat Ajibade Shares Recovery Update Following Fibula Surgery
    Golden Eaglets
    Sports
    Golden Eaglets Miss 2027 U-17 AFCON and World Cup After WAFU-B Exit

    © 2025. All rights reserved  - Developed by ICS.