From Zero To Knockout: The Rise Of Mixed Martial Arts In Nigeria

From an obscure foreign concept to a booming, culture-defining phenomenon, Mixed Martial Arts ( MMA), has erupted into the Nigerian mainstream.From a dusty makeshift ring under the scorching Kano sun, to a caged octagon in Lagos’s upscale Lekki district, under the bright glare of international media attention. AFFA ACHO analyses the journey of Mixed Martial Arts in Nigeria over the last decade.
 
Long before the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC),was a glint in Dana White’s eye, Nigeria had its own warriors.Dambe, the ancient striking art of the Hausa people dating back over a century is widely considered one of Africa’s oldest combat sports. Originating as a method of spear-and-shi...