The African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC) is poised to catapult the ancient Nigerian combat sport of Dambe onto the global stage through a groundbreaking partnership with DAZN, a leading international sports streaming platform. This collaboration will bring the electrifying action of the Dambe World Series, a five-event tournament showcasing Nigeria’s top Dambe fighters against international contenders, to a worldwide audience. This landmark agreement promises to elevate Dambe from a niche sport to a global phenomenon, marking a significant milestone in the internationalization of African combat sports.
Dambe, a unique and dynamic combat sport deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition, draws inspiration from the ancient art of spear and shield warfare. Fighters engage in a highly specialized form of kickboxing, utilizing one hand, heavily wrapped in rope, as their striking weapon. The other hand serves as a defensive shield to deflect blows. Adding to the intensity and complexity of the sport is the strategic incorporation of powerful kicks, delivered with precision and force. This distinct blend of striking and defensive techniques makes Dambe a captivating spectacle of athleticism, strategy, and cultural significance.
The Dambe World Series builds upon the resounding success of the AWFC’s 2024 King of Dambe event, a landmark competition that featured the first-ever European Dambe fighter, Luke Leyland, challenging AWFC veteran Shagon Yellow. This historic clash, witnessed by a live audience of 10,000 and millions more online, culminated in a dramatic second-round stoppage victory for Yellow. The event’s success served as a powerful testament to the growing global interest in Dambe and laid the groundwork for the ambitious Dambe World Series.
The partnership between AWFC and DAZN represents a strategic alignment of vision, combining AWFC’s commitment to promoting African combat sports with DAZN’s global reach and cutting-edge streaming technology. Maxwell Kalu, founder of AWFC, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing its pivotal role in introducing Dambe to a worldwide audience. He views the collaboration as a crucial step towards achieving AWFC’s broader mission of showcasing the rich tapestry of African combat sports on a global platform. DAZN’s extensive network and sophisticated streaming capabilities provide the ideal vehicle for fulfilling this ambitious goal.
DAZN’s commitment to broadcasting all Dambe World Series events live ensures that fans around the globe will have unprecedented access to this thrilling spectacle of athleticism and cultural heritage. The inaugural event is scheduled for June 2025, with subsequent events planned throughout the year, culminating in a grand finale that will showcase the world’s elite Dambe fighters. This structured format promises to build excitement and anticipation throughout the year, culminating in a climactic showdown to crown the ultimate Dambe champion.
The Dambe World Series represents more than just a sporting event; it symbolizes a cultural exchange, bridging continents and introducing a unique and compelling form of martial arts to a global audience. Through this partnership, AWFC and DAZN are not only promoting a sport but also sharing a piece of Nigerian history and heritage with the world. This collaborative effort will undoubtedly contribute to the growth and recognition of Dambe, solidifying its place on the international stage and inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans. The series promises to be a vibrant showcase of athletic prowess, cultural richness, and the enduring appeal of traditional combat sports.
