JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Emmanuel Benard and Victoria Uduak emerged as the top winners in the men’s and women’s categories at the Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 16 fighters wowed fans at the Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior showdown held at Arena 21, National Council for Arts and Culture on Saturday.
The fight night dubbed the “Battle of Gwarinpa” featured bouts in the featherweight, bantamweight, lightweight and strawweight divisions.
Headlining the event was the clash between Emmanuel “Knockout Machine” Benard and Yakubu “Black Scorpion” Solomon.
The main event featured Victoria “The Hunter” Uduak against Blessing “Chibok girl” Shettima.
Benard, who took home the award for best male fighter, defeated Solomon by unanimous decision after three intense rounds in the men’s -61kg bantamweight bout, in a bout deemed the best overall fight of the night.
Benard said his victory came through discipline and experience against a determined opponent.
“I stayed focused and trusted in my training. My opponent was strong, but strategy made the difference,” he said.
He dedicated the victory to his coach and the fans who came from Lagos to support him.
In the main event, Uduak, who was adjudged the best female fighter of the night, defeated Shettima by technical knockout (TKO) in the first round of the women’s 65kg featherweight division.
Nasirudeen Abdulkareem beat Sunday George by first-round TKO in the men’s 61kg bantamweight category.
Balikis Quadri secured victory over Cynthia Philips with a rear-naked choke in the second round of the women’s strawweight -53kg division.
Michael Dawodu defeated Destiny Ekpo by TKO in the second round of the men’s 66kg featherweight division.
Joseph James and David Ezekiel recorded a tie in the men’s 70kg lightweight category after scoring 74 points each.
Christopher Swande put Cornelius Godpower to sleep via triangle choke in the men’s 60kg bantamweight division.
Peter Onuh defeated Goodluck Opara by first-round TKO in the men’s 67kg featherweight division.
Akalaka Spirit of the Warrior president Dr Ebere Benard said the event was aimed at youth development and promotion of the discipline.
“We are using MMA as a tool to redirect youth from social vices and channelize their energies towards productive ventures,” he said.
Benard, who is also the director of youth development at the Nigeria Mixed Martial Arts Federation (NMMAF), said the platform helps discover and nurture talent.
“This initiative continues to grow, providing fighters exposure and opportunities to compete at higher levels,” he said.
Taking inspiration from a philosophical reflection, Benard compared life to a dream, encouraging a deeper self-awareness among young people.
“Like a man, unsure whether he is dreaming or awake, we must reflect on who we are and what we stand for,” he said.
He said martial arts goes beyond competition, emphasizing the values of honor, moderation and peace.
“Beyond the cage, martial arts teaches discipline, respect and control, values urgently needed in our society,” he said.
Benard denounced insecurity and violence in Nigeria and around the world, calling for collective action.
“These challenges are not just headlines, but real human tragedies affecting families and communities,” he said.
He urged leaders to embrace dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
“If fighters can compete with discipline and walk away with respect, nations can also choose peace over conflict,” he said.
He called for unity and commitment to humanity above divisions.
“The greatest victory is not against an adversary, but against the anger, chaos and hatred within ourselves,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Option A International, Idowu Olusareyo, the sponsor of the event, commended the organizers for promoting grassroots sports.
“The showpiece has provided a platform for emerging Nigerian MMA athletes to showcase their skills.
“It marked Akalaka’s third MMA outing in Abuja after previous successful editions.
“There is tremendous talent in Nigeria. Supporting events like this helps give young fighters the exposure they need to succeed,” he said.
Abubakar Marwa of Marwa Self Defence, a technical partner, lauded the success of the fight night and the excitement it brought to the city of Abuja.
NAN also reports that Benard received his 7th degree black belt from the president of the World Jidokwan Federation of Korea.
This was in recognition of his martial arts growth in multiple martial arts styles, including Taekwondo and unarmed military combat, for more than 30 years.
The coveted award was a mark of honor and recognition of Benard’s active involvement and diverse projects focused on promoting mixed martial arts and youth development in Nigeria, Africa and around the world.
Even more important are the works in which he has been involved in the rehabilitation of at-risk youth, campaigning against cultism/crime, grassroots development, people in need and the use of martial arts as a vehicle to promote global peace, unity and mutual respect between nations.
The 7th degree black belt is an introduction to the league of Grand Masters.(NAN)
