George assures on Mixed Martial Arts revival

By Ifeanyi Eduzor

President of Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Henry George says the Federation under his watch will explore all avenues to develop the sports as well as give adequate exposure to talents discovered from the recently concluded National Amateur Mixed Martial Arts seminar/championship in Asaba Delta State.
Speaking on the successes recorded at the event he expressed happiness with the turnout of athletes and officials which he said is an indication that the sports is gaining the right recognition in the country just as he commended their performance, encouraging them to continue to put into good use all they learnt at the event
He said the programme was part of activities by the Federation to propagate the sport in the country in line with standards set by the world MMA governing body; International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) which is the official partner of UFC where Nigerian professional fighters ; Kamaru Usman and Israel Adesanya are current champions.
According to him, the Federation under his watch is concentrating more on the amateur stage of the sports to enable the country’s athletes understand its basic principles before turning professional
” I’m happy with what I saw in Asaba and the program afforded us the opportunity to discover some talented athletes who will be invited for further training ahead of the African Amateur Mixed Martial Arts championship slated for south Africa next month.
” We are also planning another event in Ahoda, Rivers State which will hold later this month and all these are geared towards popularising the sports and that’s why we’re appealing on corporate Nigeria to help us financially because we cannot do it alone”, he stressed.
The Federation boss expressed optimism that Nigeria has what it takes to do well at the upcoming Africa Amateur Mixed Martial Arts championship holding in South Africa on April 28th and other such championship to be held in different parts of the world.
” We have the fighters that can do the country proud at the continental championship coming up next month in South Africa. The Federation is poised to attend that event with our best athletes and I can assure you we will definitely come back with medals”, he assured.

Over 140 participants took part in the programme in Asaba , Delta State which was certified by the world body. They were trained on basic techniques of the sport, safety match officiating, point scoring point and part of the body used for fights amongst others.
Course and belt grading certificates were also awarded to deserving athletes, coaches and referees in line with IMMAF standards.