Mixed Martial Arts Federation Set For W/Tourney

Technical Director, Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Shihan Victor Akhimien (VICAMEN), has reaffirmed the readiness of the NMMAF and commended participants at the just-concluded Mixed Martial Arts training and championship, which ended at Asaba, Delta State.
Akhimien said the programme was 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 was the official partner of UFC in Nigeria, was 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.