Bayelsa to Host the Nation in 2nd Sunday Dare National Open MMA Championship
Bayelsa State is set to host athletes and officials from across the country for the second edition of the Sunday Dare National Open Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, in partnership with the Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Nigeria.
The championship, scheduled to hold from October 14 to 18, 2026, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, is expected to attract about 2,000 athletes and officials, according to the President of the Federation, Ambassador Henry George.
The MMA President confirmed that the second edition would be bigger than the inaugural championship held in Abuja in 2024, reflecting the growing interest in mixed martial arts and the federation’s efforts to expand the sport across the country.
The hosting of the national championship further reinforces Bayelsa State’s growing reputation as a major destination for sporting competitions and a leading contributor to sports development in Nigeria.
By adding mixed martial arts to the list of national sporting events it has hosted, Bayelsa continues to demonstrate its capacity to attract and organise competitions across different sporting disciplines. The development is also a commendable addition to the state’s efforts to promote sports, discover talents, and provide athletes with opportunities to compete at the national level.
With preparations for the National Sports Festival in Enugu gathering momentum, the championship is expected to serve as an important competitive platform for participating states to assess their athletes and test the readiness of medal hopefuls ahead of the multi-sport event.
The competition will also provide an opportunity for athletes to gain valuable experience, improve their competitive standards and demonstrate their abilities against opponents from other states, potentially helping coaches and technical officials identify areas requiring improvement before the festival.
Meanwhile, the federation has outlined plans to incorporate capacity-building activities into the championship through a technical seminar and coaching clinic. The programme is designed to strengthen technical expertise and support the development of mixed martial arts in Nigeria.
The training will cater to referees and coaches transitioning from other combat sports, including judo and karate, into MMA. Judges, cut-men, and operators will also have the opportunity to undergo training and obtain the necessary licences and certifications, as the federation seeks to improve officiating standards and build a stronger technical workforce for the sport.
