The African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC) has announced the official launch of the Dambe World Series, a major new chapter for Nigeria’s ancient combat sport.

The inaugural event will take place on Saturday, June 28, at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

For the first time in history, Dambe will be broadcast globally through a new partnership with DAZN, the world’s leading sports streaming platform.

The deal marks a milestone for the sport, traditionally practiced in northern Nigeria, as it steps onto the international stage alongside major sports like boxing, the NFL, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

“We’re proud to bring the best of African Warriors to a global audience and launch the Dambe World Series,” said Maxwell Kalu, Founder of the African Warriors Fighting Championship.

“This event marks a transformative step in the internationalization of Dambe. I am deeply grateful to DAZN, Silverbacks, and all our partners for joining us in taking Dambe and African Warriors to the world.”

The championship will showcase top Nigerian fighters from the sport’s three historic houses: Arewa, Kudawa, and Gurumada who will not only battle for supremacy in Abuja, but also compete for qualification into future Dambe World Series events, which will include international bouts.

The launch event is being staged in collaboration with Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm focused on high-growth African ventures. Other partners include the Nigerian National Council for Arts & Culture, the Nigerian Traditional Sports Association, Omniretail, Living La Vida Lagos, Vanguard Media, and Troy Media.

Ibrahim Sagna, Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, said the project represents a blend of heritage and modern sports entertainment. “We are honored to back AWFC and the Dambe World Series as it bridges tradition with modern global sports entertainment. This partnership reflects our commitment to nurturing African talent and culture on the world stage.”

The global exposure comes on the back of AWFC’s rapid digital success. The promotion has recorded more than 900 million views across its platforms, sparking international interest in the gritty, one-handed combat sport rooted in warrior traditions.

“Dambe is more than a sport—it is a living expression of our culture and identity,” said Obi Asika, Director General of the Nigerian National Council for Arts & Culture. “This global platform with the AWFC Dambe World Series on DAZN marks a new chapter in showcasing Nigeria’s heritage to the world, and we are proud to support this historic moment.”