PFL Africa Launches With Historic Event In Cape Town
PFL Cape Town Credit: PFL
The Professional Fighters League has officially launched PFL Africa, its latest international expansion and the third regional league under its umbrella.
The move also fulfills a key part of the organization's agreement with Francis Ngannou, who was promised a leadership role in the development of the Africa branch.
The organization will launch with a historic event in Cape Town, South Africa at the GrandWest Arena. The event will feature the launch of the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament with first-round matchups in the heavyweight and bantamweight divisions.
In the headline bouts, Bellator middleweight champion and now 185-pound PFL kingpin, Johnny Eblen will defend his title against Spain's Costello van Steenis. In the co-main event, Dakota Ditcheva, arguably the PFL's biggest star, will face Sumiko Inaba.
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 25: Johnny Eblen celebrates after defeating Impa Kasanganay during ... More the 2024 PFL vs Bellator: Champs event at Kingdom Arena on February 25, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by) Getty Images
Those two bouts will top off a set of five PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai fights. The other three fights will be announced at a later time.
'Kicking off the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town alongside the launch of PFL Africa reflects our commitment to grow the sport of MMA throughout the continent as well as provide pathways for African fighters to compete on a global stage and become champions,' said Peter Murray, CEO of the Professional Fighters League. 'With PFL Europe, PFL MENA and now PFL Africa launching, PFL's international growth strategy and footprint is unmatched in the sport. This is all made possible by building a great team. I'm proud to partner with Francis Ngannou and Helios Sports & Entertainment Group and excited to welcome Elias Schulze as GM of PFL Africa.'
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 25: Dakota Ditcheva celebrates after defeating Katherine Corogenes ... More during the 2022 PFL Championships at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 25, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by) Getty Images
PFL Africa launches with distribution partnerships with Canal+ to enhance coverage across sub-Saharan Africa. In addition to Canal+, SuperSport is an additional distributor.
PFL has also launched a mobile-first platform through a partnership with CFM (Content for Mobile) with the aim of delivering affordable fight content to fans across the continent of Africa. According to the press release provided, PFL projects its content will now be accessible in 90% of homes across Africa.
Ngannou will serve as the Chairman for PFL Africa, and according to the press release, he will play 'a central role in developing the next generation of African champions and shaping the league's long-term growth.'
To bolster the efforts, PFL has partnered with Helios Sports & Entertainment Group, an investor in NBA Africa as a key capital partner. Schulze will serve as the General Manager of PFL Africa to oversee its launch and expansion.
'We are proud to partner with the Professional Fighters League to help bring PFL Africa to life. This initiative aligns with Helios' mission to back high-growth, high-impact ventures across the continent. With the leadership of Francis Ngannou and a strong local foundation, PFL Africa has the potential to become a transformative platform for African athletes, fans, and the broader sports ecosystem,' said Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Helios Investment Partners.
As for the PFL Africa Tournament, here is a list of the brackets and matchups headed to the prelims in Cape Town.
Heavyweights Jashell Ticha Awa (3-1) of Cameroon faces Justin Clarke (2-0) of South Africa
Abdoullah Kane (3-0) of Senegal meets Mohammad Ben Yahia (9-4) of Morocco
Bantamweights Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) of South Africa takes on Mahmoud Atef (5-2) of Egypt
Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) of Zimbabwe battles Abderrahman Errachidy (4-1) of Morocco
The remaining tournament bouts will be announced at a later time.
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