Bayelsa State has emerged as the leading team at the 2nd Sunday Dare / Bayelsa State National Mixed Martial Arts Open Championship, underlining its growing strength in the sport ahead of the 2026 National Sports Festival.
According to the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), Bayelsa finished the competition with nine gold medals and 22 medals overall, following the championship held in Yenagoa.
The competition brought together athletes from different states and clubs, providing a platform for fighters to test their skills and compete for national recognition.
The championship also served as an important opportunity for athletes to assess their readiness ahead of the 23rd National Sports Festival, scheduled to take place in Enugu from November 27 to December 11, 2026.
Mixed martial arts is among the sports expected to feature at the festival, making the Yenagoa competition an important stage for athletes seeking to establish themselves ahead of the national event.
Bayelsa’s performance also highlights the importance of state support and regular competition in developing athletes and improving their chances of success at major sporting events.
The championship was organised with the support of the Bayelsa State Government and the NMMAF, with athletes, coaches and officials contributing to the event.
Beyond the medals, the competition provided fighters with valuable experience against opponents from different parts of the country, while giving technical officials and coaches an opportunity to assess performances and identify areas for improvement.
With the National Sports Festival approaching, attention will now turn to how participating states build on their performances in Yenagoa as they prepare for the next stage of competition.
For Bayelsa, the championship offers encouragement as the state looks to maintain its strong showing and compete for more honours in Enugu.
