History was made on the 2nd of October 2025, as Nigeria competed for the first time at the World Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Championship and won a silver medal.
The event took place in Georgia, from 26th September to 2nd of October.
Benjamin Edozie, who fights in the 74.8KG, won the first round against his Zambian opponent then progressed to the quarter finals. In the semi finals, he faced Safar-Makhsum Safarov of Tajikistan. He had to settle for a silver medal after he was defeated by the Armenian, Spartak Mikayelyan.
To the president of the Federation, Ambassador Henry George, he believes the moment is far greater than sport. For him, he said “it is about Nigeria rising to global recognition and proving our strength in mma on the world stage”. He went on to add that “For our very first appearance, we have achieved what many thought was impossible. This victory is not just a medal, it is a symbol of our dedication, our resilience, and the pride of our great nation. Today, Nigeria stands tall, honored before the world. This has been my dream.”
Edozie, a highly rated amateur MMA fighter, is ranked first in Amateur Men’s Lightweight in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
