Over 100 Mixed Martial Arts clashes will storm Lagos this week as the AFC World Series Championships kick off from September 11 to 14 — www.naijnaira.com reports.
The News Agency of Nigeria confirmed the event is sanctioned by the Nigerian MMA Federation, with support from the National Sports Commission, Lagos State Sports Commission, and the African MMA Confederation.
Raad Aswani, the entrepreneur behind the AFC World Series, described the championship as a turning point for African combat sports.
“As an individual, I have always wanted to follow the footsteps of my grandfather, Ansani, who was a renowned trader in Nigeria,” Aswani said.
He explained that his idea, tagged the “Next Contenders Programme and Beyond,” is designed to grow sports and entertainment while giving young athletes a platform.
The AFC is officially the first African-owned private promotion recognized as a continental MMA ranking and scoring platform.
Winners from the Lagos tournament will receive medals directly from the Chairman of the NSC and the Director General, a gesture symbolizing official government backing.
According to Aswani, the AFC is more than a promotion; it is a social movement offering young fighters opportunities beyond crime and unemployment.
He added that hybrid academies are being developed as hubs for education, training, gender inclusion, and wellness through grassroots sports programmes.
Henry George, President of the NMMAF, said the federation is ensuring global safety standards, international scoring rules, and medical checks are all in place.
He emphasized that fighters must complete a minimum of ten bouts before going professional, securing proper progression from amateur ranks.
George noted that with this system, Nigeria now has a structured path for developing MMA stars who can represent the nation on the world stage.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
