International Mixed Martial Arts (IMMA) President, Kerrith Brown, has expressed optimism that the sport will excel in Nigeria following its success as a demonstration sport at the just-concluded 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba .
According to the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Brown was at the Festival to access the level of development of the sport in the country and also encourage the Nigerian body to keep discovering talents at the grassroots.
NMMAF’s Technical Director, Victor Akhimien, said the federation is waiting on the sports ministry to officially declare Mixed Martial Arts an official event to enable it organise more programmes and reach out to as many regions as possible to develop it.
“The Mixed Martial Arts president was in Asaba to watch the demonstration event at the Asaba Sports Festival.
“Right now, our activities are active and coaches can now be trained for the sport. All we are waiting for is an official statement from the sports ministry.
“Since the Federation has been allowed to hold the demonstration of the Sports in Asaba, I believe the recognition of Mixed Martial Arts as an official sport in the country is certain.
“The existence of the sport will help take more youths off the streets, create more opportunities and employment for them. Mixed Martial Arts will excel in Nigeria,” he said.
