African Warriors Championship: King of Dambe to feature first fighter from Britain

Luke Leyland


By Jacob Ajom

The African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC), the leading global promoter of Dambe, has announced its next event ‘King of Dambe’ scheduled to take place at the Katsina Open Air Theatre on 13th of January 2024.


The highlight of King of Dambe will be a special exhibition featuring Luke Leyland, a professional wrestler and boxer from Liverpool, United Kingdom, competing against Garakuwar Bahagon Yansanda, a champion from Plateau State, Nigeria. The bout will make Leyland the first European athlete to ever compete in dambe.


The King of Dambe event will also showcase top fighters from across Nigeria drawn from the three dambe houses of Arewa (Jamus), Kudawa (Kudu) and Gurumada. The main event will feature Alikawoji of House Gurumada vs Autan Danbunza of House Arewa. Other matches on the day include: Coronavirus of Kudu vs Sha’ike of Gurumada, Dan Yellow of Arewa vs Bahagon Mai Bulala of Gurumada.

In another bout, Autan Shagon Audu of Gurumada vs Dogon Messi of Arewa Shagon Yellow of Gurumada vs Shagon Na Balbali of Kudu.

The headline sponsor behind King of Dambe is cryptocurrency betting company Stake.com. The entire event will also stream live on Kick.com via @africanwarriorsfc.

Speaking on the challenge ahead of him, Luke Leyland commented: “I am thrilled to be in Nigeria, representing the UK in the ancient art of dambe.

“This marks a historic moment for the sport, and I am honoured to be part of it. I eagerly anticipate showcasing the skill and determination of UK fighters and proving our ability to compete in this incredible sport. I am coming to win. My goal is to knockout Yansanda and take the victory home to British soil.”

The Founder of African Warriors Fighting Championship, Maxwell Kalu added: “This marks an exciting chapter in dambe’s history.

“Luke’s participation highlights the global growth and recognition of dambe. We are looking forward to witnessing this groundbreaking fight and ready to welcome more international participants.


“Aside from Luke Leyland vs G.B Yansanda, we have an impressive card of fights featuring the very best dambe athletes that Nigeria has to offer.”