Bayelsa Set To Host 2nd Sunday Dare National MMA Championship

The Bayelsa State Government, in collaboration with the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), has concluded arrangements to host the 2nd Sunday Dare Open National Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Yenagoa.

The championship will take place at the Multipurpose Hall of the Samson Siasia Stadium after being moved from Enugu to allow the state to complete upgrades to its sports facilities ahead of the 23rd National Sports Festival, tagged Coal City Games Enugu 2026.

Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri agreed to host the competition after the venue change.

As of Wednesday, October 14, contingents from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Rivers, Kano and Ogun states had arrived in Yenagoa. Teams from police, military and paramilitary clubs were also among the participants. The programme scheduled a seminar for 10 am on Thursday, October 15, to brief officials, referees, judges, cut-men, coaches and athletes on the rules of the competition. Registration will also continue for participants who have not completed the online process. Departure was scheduled for Sunday, October 18.

The Commissioners for Sports Development and Education, Daniel Baraladei Igali and Gentle Emelah, respectively, assured the federation of the state’s hospitality during courtesy visits by NMMAF President, Ambassador Henry George, and his entourage.

The championship will be the third national sporting competition hosted in Yenagoa this year, following the Governor Diri Wrestling Classics and the Governor Diri Scrabble Classics. An octagon cage has been installed inside the Multipurpose Hall, where fighters representing sports commissions, councils and clubs will compete for honours ahead of the National Sports Festival.

Bayelsa residents have been encouraged to attend and experience the competition.

Former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, after whom the championship is named, is expected to attend in recognition of his role in securing the acceptance of mixed martial arts as a compulsory medal-scoring sport at the National Sports Festival and Intermediate Games.