Bayelsa State will host athletes and officials from across Nigeria for the second edition of the Sunday Dare National Open Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship, organised in partnership with the Mixed Martial Arts Federation of Nigeria.

The championship is scheduled to take place from October 14 to 18, 2026, at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, with about 2,000 athletes and officials expected to participate, according to the federation’s president, Ambassador Henry George.

George disclosed 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 decision to stage the national championship in Bayelsa further highlights the state’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events and its contribution to sports development in Nigeria.

Hosting the competition will also provide an opportunity for the state to promote sporting excellence, discover emerging talents and give athletes a platform to test themselves against opponents from different parts of the country.

With preparations for the National Sports Festival in Enugu gathering momentum, the championship is expected to serve as a valuable competitive platform for participating states to assess their athletes and evaluate the readiness of potential medal contenders ahead of the multi-sport event.

The competition will also allow athletes to gain valuable experience, improve their competitive standards and identify areas for improvement as they prepare for future national assignments.

Beyond the sporting contests, the federation plans to incorporate capacity-building activities into the programme through a technical seminar and coaching clinic aimed at strengthening expertise and supporting the long-term development of MMA in Nigeria.

The training programme will cater to referees and coaches transitioning from other combat sports, including judo and karate, into mixed martial arts.

Judges, cut-men and operators will also have opportunities to undergo training and obtain the necessary licences and certifications.

Through these initiatives, the federation hopes to improve officiating standards, expand the pool of qualified technical personnel and establish a stronger foundation for the continued growth of mixed martial arts across Nigeria.