The Global Warriors Champions event will deliver an electrifying display of international mixed martial arts action at the Bukom Boxing Arena on May 3, 2025.
Ghana’s Jonathan Lamptey is set to square off against Nigeria’s Victor Dooga in the headline bout of a card that blends boxing, wrestling, karate, taekwondo and judo disciplines. Hosted by the Ghana Mixed Martial Arts Association, the event underscores MMA’s rapid rise as a major sport in West Africa and beyond.
The night’s main event pits hometown star Jonathan Lamptey against Nigerian contender Victor Dooga in what promises to be a fiercely contested match. Beyond the headline fight, a series of undercard bouts will showcase emerging talent across multiple weight classes.
President of Ghana Mixed Martial Arts, Jeff Taylor, described the event as “a golden opportunity for those unfamiliar with the sport to come and watch” and urged fans to fill the arena to support local athletes.
“MMA is the fastest‑growing sport worldwide,” Taylor stated, noting its power to create employment and offer youth a constructive outlet in the gym away from drugs and social vices.
Globally, MMA has evolved from a niche spectacle to one of the world’s most commercially successful sports, with major promotions like the UFC reaching valuations near $10 billion and a fanbase estimated at over 600 million. An estimated 300 million people now identify as MMA fans, reflecting its broad appeal across continents.
Located in the heart of Accra’s historic Bukom district, the Bukom Boxing Arena first opened in 2016 and seats up to 4,000 spectators. The multipurpose complex features terraced seating across sixteen levels, an aerobic centre, an Olympic‑size swimming pool and a conference hall, making it a fitting stage for a landmark MMA event.
Commissioned by former president John Dramani Mahama, the facility was designed to honour Bukom’s legacy of producing boxing champions while accommodating a variety of sports and entertainment events.
The Global Warriors Champions MMA contest at Bukom represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s sporting calendar, demonstrating how combat sports can unite regional talent in a high‑profile international setting.
As MMA continues its global ascent, events like this not only elevate local fighters but also contribute to broader economic opportunities through sports tourism and related industries.
Sports fashion designer and Ghana Judo member Kwab Asamoah, who recently joined the MMA fraternity, extended an open invitation to all sports lovers to “witness the energy and excitement of a sport that’s capturing the hearts of fans around the world”.
