Follow Us on Google
The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), officially recognized by the Federal Ministry of Sports in 2023 and operating under the National Sports Commission (NSC), has reaffirmed its mandate as the national governing body for Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in Nigeria.
In a statement, the Federation emphasized that it holds exclusive authority over the regulation, development, and coordination of all MMA activities across the country — including amateur, professional, and entertainment-based competitions.
“The Federation’s framework guarantees structure, safety, and discipline for the sport at every level,” NMMAF stated. “All MMA activities in Nigeria must operate within NMMAF’s regulatory system to ensure integrity, athlete welfare, and compliance with national standards.”
According to the Federation, all sanctioning, licensing, and officiating of MMA events fall under its jurisdiction. Foreign organizations or individuals seeking to host or participate in MMA-related activities in Nigeria must first obtain appropriate authorization from NMMAF.
The Federation further clarified that only certifications and licenses validated and registered through its official framework are recognized under Nigerian sports regulations.
Entities that fail to comply will face penalties, including fines starting from ₦5 million for unlicensed operations and ₦2 million for unsanctioned events. Additionally, officials and athletes involved in such activities risk a four-year suspension from all NMMAF-recognized programs and competitions.
NMMAF stated that these enforcement measures are designed to protect athletes, uphold governance standards, and maintain the integrity of the sport nationwide.
Reaffirming its commitment to collaboration, the Federation expressed readiness to work with credible local and international partners to advance MMA in Nigeria responsibly and sustainably, in line with globally accepted sports governance principles.
“Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria is advancing on a strong and transparent foundation,” the Federation concluded. “Our framework ensures structure, safety, and professionalism across every aspect of the sport’s growth.”
Stakeholders seeking licensing, sanctioning, or related inquiries are advised to contact the official NMMAF Secretariat through verified communication channels.
