Mixed martial arts event excites fans in Abia
For the first time, Abia State hosted a major Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event, drawing both male and female athletes and enthusiastic spectators. Dr Ebere Bernard, President of Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior MMA Promotion, highlighted the symbolic importance of the event and its role in youth engagement. He also praised Governor Alex Otti’s administration for supporting sports tourism and infrastructure in the state. Rising star Eberechi Unekwu encouraged more Nigerian youths to get involved in martial arts for its physical and personal benefits.
Match highlights
- The maiden Abia and South East MMA Festival of Warriors featured intense cage fights in Umuahia.
- Dr Ebere Bernard stated that MMA will debut as an amateur event at the National Sports Festival in Enugu.
- The event attracted spectators from within and outside Abia, including 16-year-old Eberechi Unekwu.
- In the main bouts, Casmir Junior defeated Felix Valentine (welterweight), Abdulkareem Nasirudeen beat Duru Bennet (bantamweight), and Enku Ekuta won against Patience Okon (ladies’ bantamweight).
- Dr Bernard called for more funding and support to sustain MMA as a tool for youth empowerment.
