Mixed martial arts national qualifier set for Friday in Kampala

Uganda is stepping up preparations for the Africa Mixed Martial Arts Championships in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, with the country set to use a national qualifier to identify athletes who will represent it at the continental event.

The championships are scheduled for October 13-18 and are expected to attract some of the best Mixed Martial Arts fighters from across Africa.

To select Uganda's strongest team, Mixed Martial Arts Uganda has organised a national qualifier scheduled for Friday, October 2 at Kampala University, Gaba.

The competition is expected to attract athletes from different parts of the country, providing them with an opportunity to fight for places on the national team.

Mixed Martial Arts Uganda president Titus Tugume described the qualifier as an important step in ensuring that Uganda sends a competitive team to Abidjan.

"I want to first thank Prof. Badru Kateregga for sponsoring this event. Before we head to Ivory Coast, we need to make sure that we are represented by the best team," Tugume said.

The qualifier will also provide athletes with a platform to demonstrate their technical ability, fitness and fighting skills as they compete for national team selection.

Uganda will face strong competition at the national qualifiers, with athletes from countries including Kenya and Sudan expected to take part. The international competition will provide Uganda's selected fighters with an opportunity to test themselves against some of the continent's leading athletes.

Ahead of Friday's qualifier, referees will undergo a refresher workshop aimed at updating them on the latest rules and ensuring consistency in officiating throughout the competition.

The workshop is expected to help officials make accurate decisions while giving athletes a fair platform to compete for national team places.

Among those hoping to impress at the qualifier is Raymond Wanandera, who believes his preparation has put him in a strong position to challenge for selection.

"I see myself on the national team. Come Friday, I will show everyone what it takes to be national team material," Wanandera said.

With the qualifier serving as the final test for Uganda's athletes, fighters will be looking to turn months of training into performances strong enough to earn a place on the national team.