Abuja, Nigeria: June 28, 2025
History was made at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as Nigeria’s ancient combat sport, Dambe, entered the global spotlight with the explosive debut of the Dambe World Series. Organized by the African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC) in partnership with international sports streaming giant DAZN, the event marked the first-ever global broadcast of Dambe: a martial art rooted in Hausa warrior culture.
What is Dambe?
For those unfamiliar, Dambe is a centuries-old traditional form of boxing practiced by Hausa men, typically during festivals. Fighters use a rope-wrapped dominant arm called the “spear” to strike, while the free arm is used for defense and grappling. Victory is often declared when one fighter knocks the other to the ground.
Though traditionally fought in local villages, Dambe has rapidly evolved—now finding a platform that blends culture, entertainment, and sport for the world to see.
The Abuja Launch: A Cultural and Combat Spectacle
The event featured nine high-stakes matchups, with fighters representing the three major Dambe houses:
Arewa (Jamus)
Kudawa (Kudu)
Gurumada
The main event saw heavyweight warriors Dogon Isiya of Gurumada clash with the formidable Dogon Karkarna, delivering a fierce bout that had fans on their feet.
Adding a modern twist to the evening was a live music performance by Kold AF, a rising star signed to Warner Music Africa. This fusion of tradition and pop culture created a festival-like atmosphere, showcasing the creative future of Nigerian sports.
Global Reach: A Sport Goes International
With DAZN broadcasting the event to over 200 countries, Dambe is now reaching an audience far beyond northern Nigeria. This is a major milestone in the AWFC’s mission to professionalize and globalize the sport while preserving its roots.
“Dambe is more than just fighting. It’s history, identity, and art,” said Maxwell Kalu, founder of AWFC.
The AWFC has also introduced
Weight classes (lightweight, middleweight, heavyweight)
Professional training and safety protocols
Athlete branding and digital storytelling
This ensures the fighters are not only protected but can also build long-term careers in a sport they love.
Strategic Partnerships Fueling Growth
The event brought together a coalition of partners:
DAZN: Providing global streaming coverage
Silverback Holdings: Offering investment and strategic expansion
National Council for Arts and Culture
Nigerian Traditional Sports Association
Vanguard Media & Living La Vida Lagos
“This is a cultural renaissance,” said Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture. “We’re showcasing Nigeria’s heritage to the world in a language they understand—entertainment.”
What’s Next for Dambe?
This is just the beginning. Upcoming developments include:
Regional qualifiers in northern Nigeria
International showcases featuring fighters from other countries
Digital content series featuring fighter profiles, training camps, and behind-the-scenes action
AWFC and DAZN plan to make the Dambe World Series a recurring event, building a sustainable combat sports ecosystem based in Africa.
Conclusion
The Dambe World Series in Abuja was more than just an event—it was a declaration that Nigeria’s culture is global, competitive, and deeply inspiring. As more eyes turn toward this raw and powerful sport, Dambe could soon stand beside boxing and MMA as a world-recognized discipline.
If you missed it, don’t worry—replays are available on DAZN, and more events are coming soon.
💬 What do you think about Dambe going global? Could this become Nigeria’s UFC moment? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
