The Zambia National Amateur League has been set to commence on August 13 in competitive encounter which will see 20 fighters go head to head as they pound on eachothers flesh to become one of Zambia’s elite fighters.

The event which will also unveil the first ever female fighters in Zambia to participate in the sport will be held at the Music Club, East Park Mall, Lusaka.

Currently Zambia doesn’t have fighters who can compete as Pros (professional MMA level). However, winning 10 matches will help them qualify to that elite level.

MMAZ president Benjamin Bush disclosed to the media today that the event will cost about US$20,000 to host the event and called for other stakeholders to render support.

Bush says along with gaining experience and helping athletes become professionals, the event will also help in choosing athletes that will represent the country at the MMA world championship in Abu Dhabi in November.

“We will use our platform to educate on gender based violence, drug and alcohol abuse and provide hope for the vulnerable,” Bush adds.

He discloses that the women’s First MMA match on the Zambian soil is designed to empower and inspire the girl child to show the stregth of our Zambian women.

And MMAZ head of Communication Andrew Sowden says they plan on having six competitive fighting events anually in order to grow Zambia Mixed Martial Arts Amateur league.

Sowden says forthcoming event will help in building experience for Athletes so that they can compete at an international level to put MMAZ on the global map.

“From this we hope to have events every two months so that you can compete in a competitive enviroment to build your records and hopefully represent Zambia,” Sowden discloses.

National Sports Council representative Gilbert Sinkamba says MMA is a growing sports is a growing sports that has brought pride to Zambia after minting two medals in their first international completions.

Sinkamba adds that the sports council does not consider any sport as major or minor but will support all sports to give chance for all to succeed.