NMMAF draws the line, no room for rogue MMA operations in Nigeria

By Maxwell Kumoye 
 
The Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF) has drawn a hard line in the sand, reaffirming its full authority as the only recognized body empowered to regulate, develop, and sanction all forms of Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria.

Backed by the Federal Ministry of Sports and operating under the National Sports Commission (NSC) since 2023, the NMMAF made it clear that it will no longer tolerate unlicensed events, unauthorized promoters, or foreign operators bypassing its official structure.

“Our framework guarantees structure, safety, and discipline for the sport at every level,” the Federation declared. 

“All MMA activities in Nigeria must operate within NMMAF’s regulatory system to ensure integrity, athlete welfare, and compliance with national standards.”

Under the new enforcement push, unlicensed operations will attract fines starting from ₦5 million, while unsanctioned events face ₦2 million penalties. 

In addition, any athlete or official involved in such events will be slapped with a four-year suspension from all NMMAF recognized programs.

The Federation’s reach extends across all levels, amateur, professional, and entertainment based MMA, ensuring every cage, ring, and contest meets strict national and international governance standards.

Foreign organizations hoping to host fights or training programs in Nigeria must now obtain NMMAF licensing or formal sanctioning before engaging in any activity. 

Certificates, referee credentials, and participation licenses will only be valid once authenticated through the Federation’s system.

The NMMAF said these rules are not meant to stifle growth but to protect fighters, guarantee safety, and uphold the integrity of the sport.

“Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria is advancing on a strong and transparent foundation,” the statement concluded. 

“We’re open to partnerships but only those that respect the structure, safety, and professionalism our framework demands.”

With this decisive stance, Nigeria’s MMA landscape is entering a new era, one built on discipline, legitimacy, and zero tolerance for chaos.

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