Bayelsa State emerged champions of the 2nd Sunday Dare National Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Open Championship held in Yenagoa.

The host state topped the medals table with 15 medals, comprising eight gold, three silver and four bronze, ahead of Delta State, which finished second with 12 medals: five gold, four silver and three bronze.

Enugu State placed third with 12 medals, comprising three gold, six silver and three bronze.

Akwa Ibom State won three gold medals, while Imo and Lagos states secured one gold medal each at the championship.

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A total of 27 states with more than 200 athletes participated in the competition, which also served as a qualifier for the 23rd National Sports Festival scheduled to be held in Enugu State from November 27 to December 11, 2026.

Declaring the championship closed, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, expressed satisfaction with the growth of mixed martial arts in the state, noting that the development reflected the government’s commitment to promoting multi-sports development.

Congratulating the athletes on their resilience and determination throughout the competition, the deputy governor commended the President of the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Ambassador Henry George, and the federation’s Grand Patron, Chief Sunday Dare, for their efforts in securing the inclusion of MMA in the National Sports Festival.

In his remarks, the Grand Patron of the federation, Chief Sunday Dare, welcomed the inclusion of mixed martial arts in the forthcoming NSF with enthusiasm, describing the development as a significant milestone for the sport in Nigeria. (Daily Trust)