PFL Holds First-Ever MMA Event in the Congo
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
The PFL continues to expand its international footprint, and the MMA organization is set to launch PFL Africa with its first event on July 19 in Cape Town, South Africa.
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Ahead of the first event, the PFL also held the first-ever MMA event in the Congo, as flyweight combatants Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr engaged in an open workout in front of a very excited crowd.
@PFLMMA officially held the first-ever MMA open workout in Kinshasa, Congo, ahead od the upcoming PFL Cape Town event.
Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr showcased their skills in front of a massive crowd.
All videos and images are courtesy of PFL. pic.twitter.com/dQk5Tw4n1O — James Brizuela (@james_brizuela) June 25, 2025
Ukah and Niedermayr are set to face off against one another in a Showcase Women's Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town.
The PFL Cape Town card will be headlined with a PFL Champions Series main event featuring Johnny "Pressure" Eblen (16-0) and challenger Costello "The Spaniard" van Steenis (16-3).
Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr posing for photos at their open workout ahead of PFL Cape Town.
Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr posing for photos at their open workout ahead of PFL Cape Town.
PFL
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Also, Dakota "Dangerous" Ditcheva (14-0) returns for a massive fight against Sumiko "Lady Samurai" Inaba (8-1).
With the importance of having an MMA fight in the Congo, along with Africa in general, Ukah and Niedermayr spoke about their excitement for the fight but also being able to showcase their skills in their home country.
Ukah stated:
"I'm very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one. We're going to be representing the two biggest MMA nations in Africa, and we want to help put African MMA in the global spotlight. Compared to her, I think I'm the more experienced fighter and the better striker, so I'm comfortable wherever the fight goes. I expect to get the finish, but I don't mind going to a third round if needed. Ceileigh, let's bring out the best in each other and show the world how well African women can fight!"
Niedermayr said:
"It's truly an honor to be part of the first-ever women's fight in PFL Africa. This fight camp isn't just about preparing for my next opponent — it's a reflection of my lifelong dedication to martial arts. I'm always pushing myself to grow, to evolve, and to become the best fighter I can be."
"On fight night, I'm bringing a new level of Smiley Savagery to the SmartCage. I have a lot of respect for Juliet as a fighter, and I welcome the chance to test myself against her, but I don't think she's ever faced anyone like me. I'm expecting an exciting, high-level battle — and I'm ready for it."
PFL Cape Town begins at 4:30 PM SAST / 10:30 AM EST with the PFL Africa Tournament, followed by the PFL Champions Series, which begins at 8:30 PM SAST / 2:30 PM EST.
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