Latest news with #PFLAfrica
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Costello van Steenis: Johnny Eblen 'behaving like a jealous ex-girlfriend' after PFL loss
Costello Van Steenis shocked the MMA world last week, pulling off an incredible, buzzer-beating win over one of the most coveted talents outside the UFC – and he assures it wasn't a matter of luck. Van Steenis (17-3) put previously undefeated PFL middleweight champion Johnny Eblen (16-1) to sleep with just nine seconds left in their championship main event bout for PFL Africa in Cape Town, South Africa. The finish was a must for Van Steenis, as entering Round 5, Eblen was up 39-37 on two judges' scorecards, with a third having the fight tied 38-38. Winning the final round would have resulted in a majority decision win for Eblen. After the bout, in a series of posts on X, Eblen called for an immediate rematch and said that Van Steenis isn't a "better fighter," but a "lucky one." The Spanish-Dutch fighter couldn't disagree more with Eblen. "I think he's behaving like a jealous ex-girlfriend," Van Steenis told Hablemos MMA in Spanish. "What do you mean luck? Luck that he was fading? He should've trained more. Luck that I put him to sleep? Man, then what great luck you've had in your previous 16 fights. "Luck is something you build in the gym. Sure, I'm lucky, I've trained more than you, that's for sure, and I believe in myself more than you believe in yourself. So yeah, that's what I think about his comments." PFL has yet to make its intentions clear on making an immediate rematch between Van Steenis and Eblen, but some would suggest Eblen's tenure as a Bellator champion, prior to PFL's acquisition of Bellator, warrants an immediate rematch. Van Steenis isn't opposed to the idea, but he would like to get a more exciting matchup, as he's not fond of Eblen's fighting style. Van Steenis sees the winner of the 2025 PFL middleweight world tournament – which is set to be Fabian Edwards vs. Dalton Rosta at 2025 PFL World Tournament 10: Finals on Aug. 21 – as the perfect dance partner for his first title defense. "Look, I'm not going to say no, but I do want to dance with another rival so we can have more action in this promotion," Van Steenis said. "He won a lot of fights by decision, and many of them are boring. I'd like to create a little more fire in this promotion. Fabian (Edwards) is going to fight Dalton Rosta in a few weeks, and I'd like to fight against the winner of that fight in December. That would be great – and if possible, in Spain." This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Costello van Steenis responds to Johnny Eblen reaction to title loss
Daily Maverick
2 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Professional Fighters League aims to make MMA ‘the second sport of Africa' as fandom surges
South Africa has just hosted its biggest mixed martial arts event to date, and more are on the horizon thanks to the Professional Fighters League. South Africa hosted the biggest mixed martial arts (MMA) event the country has seen at the GrandWest Grand Arena in Cape Town on Saturday, 19 July. The Professional Fighters League (PFL) had an explosive first night in Africa with both the launch of the inaugural PFL Africa event and then the PFL Champions Series following, with 13 fights during the evening. It was a historical occasion for MMA in the country. An international fighting organisation not only hosted the biggest fighters in the world – outside the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) – but also established a local foothold to display South Africa's best to the world. South Africa has its own local MMA organisation, Elite Fighting Championship (EFC) Worldwide, founded and run by the Howarth brothers. It provides a stepping stone for regional athletes to bigger organisations. UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is an example of a star. But unlike the PFL, the EFC does not have the financial power to compete and retain talent against the UFC. One of the most distinguished women stars in MMA, England's Dakota Ditcheva – who has an undefeated 15-0 record – competes and recently signed again for the PFL despite interest from Dana White's UFC. Ditcheva featured in the co-main event on Saturday in Cape Town and completely overpowered Hawaii's Sumiko Inaba in their flyweight bout, eventually winning by judges' decision. 'That's the best walkout I've ever had,' an appreciative Ditcheva said after her win. She walked out to Freed from Desire by Gala, to which the boisterous local crowd sang and danced along. Same but different The reason for her commitment to the PFL – and that of the rest of the ever-expanding roster – is the work of its founder, chairperson and co-owner, Donn Davis. 'Most of my life I've built new companies, either as an entrepreneur or an investor, and I saw a big opportunity to build, essentially, in an underserved market,' Davis said in an exclusive interview with Daily Maverick. He explained that his ambition was to provide more 'premium' content to spectators than the UFC could offer. For a long time the UFC held the monopoly over prime MMA fights – until the establishment of the PFL in 2017. 'When I looked at the fans of MMA and the fighters of MMA and the commercial partners of MMA, I thought they're all underserved on the premium global level,' Davis said. 'There are 650 million MMA fans, but the UFC just gave them 50 premium fights a year. 'Those fans on a premium level would want more. I looked at the fighters and there were hundreds of great fighters that were all scattered around the globe at regional leagues, but they didn't have a premium global platform. And the commercial partners – a lot of them were either locked out or priced out. 'This is not a single winner-takes-all market. There'll be one more, maybe two more big companies.' The PFL is not a replica of the UFC, however – it has its own unique format. In the UFC, White almost exclusively decides who receives title shots and who faces whom across fight cards. The PFL, in contrast, uses a bracket system akin to college basketball in the US – or knockout formats in global sport – to determine which challenger will fight which opponent. 'I thought the product that would be very exciting would be a product that was a meritocracy,' Davis explained. 'Where fighters control their destiny. Single elimination. And as a fan, I thought that would be awesome too.' African foothold Saturday was the first round of the heavyweight and bantamweight classes of PFL Africa. The winners will be moving on to semifinals and then eventually the final, where each weight category's winner receives a $100,000 prize. 'One of those fighters [at the inaugural PFL Africa] is going to start on their way to be PFL African champ,' Davis said. 'They're going to win three times this year and they're going to hold up a belt and win $100,000. 'And then they're going to go up to PFL Global, the world tournament. And then they're going to win three times and they're going to hold up a belt and they're going to win $500,000. And in two years, somebody who nobody knows today, everyone will know two years from now.' But why Africa? The UFC has existed since 1993 but not hosted an event on the continent. White has flirted with the idea, but no concrete plans have materialised. The reasons for this include not having an indoor venue large enough to host the showpiece event, and the ticket prices, which, when converted, are close to R1-million. The PFL, in contrast, has now not only hosted a premium, sold-out event in South Africa, but also launched a subsidiary that looks to grow the local MMA talent. 'We're willing to invest in Africa, and they're not,' Davis said. 'They talk about it, we do it.' But that doesn't mean immediate financial gain for the PFL from the investment. 'We will occasionally get criticised,' Davis said. 'When you take a step back, we are investing and growing in the sport. We will not be profitable in Africa until our fifth year. That's if we do well. 'Until then, we're investing. We're putting money into Africa. We believe that, over time, we'll hopefully be successful. But as a builder of companies, you have to invest time, resources and money.' The 'people's league' Davis is an entrepreneur first, so he's not blindly throwing money at an investment. He's seen an untapped market in Africa that can grow into something extraordinary in the next few years. 'When you look at the two things that really matter, fans and fighters, boy, both are great,' he said. 'I think MMA can be the second sport of Africa. 'I think we could have 100 million MMA fans in Africa. And PFL Africa is going to be the people's league. Everything we're doing is to make it the people's league.' Tickets to the inaugural event sold for about R400. And although the PFL was broadcast on SuperSport, it could also be streamed online for free. '[We want] access in terms of viewership, access in terms of low ticket price, best African fighters,' Davis said. 'We want this to be the people's league. There are enough fans and the market is ready for that.' South African fans will have another opportunity to see some of the best MMA fighters in the world at the second PFL Africa event in Johannesburg on 9 August. There are also plans for two more events later this year, but the venues for those are yet to be confirmed. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dakota Ditcheva reveals sticking points in negotiations with the PFL before re-signing
Dakota Ditcheva is the last guest after her latest win at PFL Africa, and she talks about signing a new contract, being frustrated due to inactivity, looking up to Kayla Harrison, her next fight, and more.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dakota Ditcheva reveals sticking points in negotiations with the PFL before re-signing
Dakota Ditcheva is the last guest after her latest win at PFL Africa, and she talks about signing a new contract, being frustrated due to inactivity, looking up to Kayla Harrison, her next fight, and more.
Forbes
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Donn Davis And PFL Africa Plant Their Flag With Landmark Inaugural Event In Cape Town
2025 PFL Championship Series at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town, South Africa Saturday, July 19, ... More 2025. (Matt Ferris / PFL) The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially planted its flag in Africa with the launch of PFL Africa's inaugural season, marking a historic milestone not only for the league but for the future of mixed martial arts (MMA) across the continent. MMA has seen rapid growth in Africa in recent years, fuelled by passionate fans and a wealth of emerging talent eager for a global platform. For Donn Davis, founder, chairman, and co-owner of PFL, this launch is more than just expansion, it's a carefully calculated bet on a market bursting with potential, defined by two essential ingredients for success: passionate fans and world-class fighters ready to make their mark. 'When we looked at launching new international leagues, we looked at two things – the fans and the fighters,' Davis explained in an exclusive interview with ahead of the inaugural PFL Africa season in Cape Town, South Africa. 'When we looked at the fans and the fighters in Africa, we saw two incredible, ready groups of people. We saw fans who would be very passionate, a big MMA fan base, and we saw fighters who could be the best in the world.' The Francis Ngannou Factor LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 15: Francis Ngannou speaks during the Anthony Joshua v Francis Ngannou ... More Press Conference at Outernet London on January 15, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by) This strategic expansion is underpinned by inspiring stories, such as that of Francis Ngannou, the Chairman of PFL Africa. He rose from humble beginnings in Cameroon to become the UFC heavyweight champion after leaving the continent in pursuit of his dreams. For Davis, Ngannou's journey exemplifies both the challenges faced and the immense potential awaiting discovery. 'Francis Ngannou had to leave the continent to start his journey to be world champion. Well, there are many potential Francis Ngannous waiting to become the next world champion,' he said. 'There is fantastic MMA talent in Africa, and they're also entertaining fighters.' That last point is crucial. Davis explained that often fighters fall into two categories: great fighters who aren't entertaining, or entertaining fighters who aren't technically great. Africa, he says, is uniquely positioned with athletes who embody both qualities. Why Launch in Cape Town? Donn Davis, founder, chairman and co-owner of the Professional Fighters League (PFL) PFL Africa kicked off in Cape Town with intention. 'Cape Town was just, it's so historic, right? And it's just a city that the world knows,' Davis said. For PFL Africa, beginning here was about more than just location; it was about setting the tone and proudly announcing the brand's African identity to the world. 'Over the next two or three years, it'll be everywhere. PFL Africa will visit almost every single country. So wherever you're from, you can count on seeing PFL Africa in the coming years.' MMA History Made at Grand Arena PFL Africa's first event delivered on every promise of elite competition and spectacle. In the main event, Costello 'The Spaniard' Van Steenis (17-3) stunned the MMA world with a comeback submission win over previously undefeated Johnny 'Pressure' Eblen (16-1) to become the new PFL Middleweight World Champion. With just seconds left in the fifth and final round, Van Steenis took Eblen's back and sank in a rear naked choke, putting the defending champion to sleep. 2025 PFL Championship Series at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town, South Africa Saturday, July 19, ... More 2025. (Matt Ferris / PFL) For Van Steenis, the victory marked his arrival as champion and validated his unwavering dedication behind the scenes. 'My team and I are all killers. We don't have a plan B, only a plan A,' he shared after the fight. "My brother and I live and breathe this, and we give 100%, so how can we fail?' Dakota Ditcheva (15-0) stayed undefeated with a striking masterclass against Sumiko Inaba (8-2) in the co-main event. Former Bellator Featherweight Champion AJ McKee won a unanimous decision over Akhmed Magomedov, while Artur Zaynukov dominated Takeshi Izumi to extend his winning streak to six. Among the standout performances was Nigerian rising star Juliet Ukah (7-0), who defeated Ceileigh Niedermayr (3-3) via unanimous decision to keep her unbeaten record intact. Her resilience shone through despite sustaining an eye injury mid-fight. 'When my eye popped the second time, I thought to myself, Juliet, are you going to give up? I said, No, never,' she recalled. 'I kept one eye open and one eye low to make sure I finished that fight.' Reflecting on her victory, Ukah said, 'I feel so, so good, so great about this fight in PFL Africa. It's one of the best things that has ever happened to me.' She described the inaugural event as a dream realised. 'From the smart cage to the crowds, everything was perfect. Thank you, PFL Africa, for making my dream come true.' 2025 PFL Championship Series at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town, South Africa Saturday, July 19, ... More 2025. (Matt Ferris / PFL) Balancing Global Consistency with Local Resonance One of the biggest challenges for any international sports brand is ensuring a globally consistent identity while resonating deeply within local markets. For the PFL, Davis says the approach is simple to explain but hard to execute - a strategy that has proven successful in both Europe and the Middle East and North Africa. 'We respect the local culture, but we bring in our global expertise,' he said. 'Those are easy to say, but those are hard to do.' RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - NOVEMBER 29: Abdullah Al-Qahtani of Saudi Arabia fight against Mervan ... More Belghouit of Morocco in the final bout organized by the Professional Fighters League (PFL) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 29, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images) This respect goes far beyond marketing. It touches everything from how fighters are managed, how ticket prices are set, to how products are distributed and business models are structured. 'It's also how you present the product,' Davis explained. 'All of those have really local considerations. We've tried to be smart and respectful to make sure this is, as I said, the people's league.' Five years from now, Davis hopes that people across Africa will equate MMA with PFL Africa. 'We want them to say I love PFL Africa. It's not UFC, it's PFL.' Investments and Strategic Backing Establishing a sports league, let alone an MMA league in Africa, requires significant investment. PFL Africa partnered with Helios Investment Partners, a private investment firm that also backs NBA Africa, to make this possible. 'Our minority partner is Helios. So they've put in a significant investment. But PFL ourselves, we've also put in a significant investment,' Davis shared. 'Both of us have invested a lot of cash dollars into growing this over the next couple of years. It will not be profitable for several years. We're making a real investment.' Beyond funding, PFL Africa benefits from the league's established global infrastructure, from fighter networks to TV production capabilities. 'These are assets we don't have to build from scratch; they're already in place,' Davis said. 'This kind of investment allows PFL Africa to deliver a premium product at a comparatively lower cost.' Quality Without Compromise 2025 PFL Championship Series at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town, South Africa Saturday, July 19, ... More 2025. (Matt Ferris / PFL) Despite the scale of operations and expansion costs on the continent, Davis is adamant that quality will not be compromised. 'This is not going to be your regional MMA product. People will be blown away by the quality of the event: the video, the graphics, the stage. This is something they haven't seen before.' While the full rollout of Smartcage technology and real-time fighter stats will take time, with significant upgrades expected in year two, PFL Africa's immediate priority has been investing in fighter purses. 'The first place we put the investment was in the quality of the product and then the quality of the fighters,' Davis said. 'We want this to be the highest-paying opportunity for fighters on the continent. Fighters here will make more than anywhere else. On top of that, champions receive a $100,000 bonus, which is truly life-changing money.' This expansion is also guided by a broadcast-first strategy that uniquely positions Africa within PFL's global model. Davis described Africa as potentially the most mobile-first PFL market worldwide, helping to eliminate traditional access barriers from the start. 'Our goal is to achieve roughly 90% coverage. If people want to watch PFL in Africa, we want 90% of the population to have access,' he said. 'Right now, only about five per cent of Africans can watch UFC fights; they're locked behind an exclusive double paywall. We want PFL to be the people's MMA league.' Broadcast and streaming partnerships are already in place, with Davis confident this ambitious coverage target will be met by mid-season. 'Whether through streaming or mobile platforms, we want the vast majority of the continent to be able to watch PFL.' Building an MMA Ecosystem 2025 PFL Championship Series ceremonial weigh-ins at the Grand West Arena in Cape Town, South Africa ... More Friday, July 18, 2025. (Matt Ferris / PFL) Beyond hosting events, PFL Africa aims to build a sustainable MMA ecosystem, including youth programs, coaching initiatives, gym partnerships, and training scholarships. Yet, Davis emphasises that competition itself remains the league's most vital contribution. 'Most athletes need a pay check and real competition,' he said. 'Too often, people settle for academies as the easy route because they don't do what we do. We're creating an entire company, a full league in Africa. This isn't an academy; it's a league.' This means real fights with real pay checks, an environment where athletes sharpen their skills under genuine pressure. 'That's the only way you get sharp. Earning or losing a pay check is what drives true growth.' This year, PFL Africa features 32 athletes, with plans to expand to 48 next year. Following the Cape Town event, semifinal matchups were confirmed in the Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions. The tournament continues on August 9th at Carnival City, Johannesburg, where Featherweight and Welterweight fighters will battle for their shot at glory. What Success Looks Like in Five Years Looking ahead, Davis has set three clear benchmarks to define PFL Africa's success. First, he aims for the league to become profitable within five years, establishing a strong business foundation. Second, he wants to see a PFL African champion rise to win a world tournament title, showcasing the region's top athletic talent. Finally, Davis hopes that MMA fans across Africa will come to see PFL as the go-to name for the sport, reflecting genuine fan loyalty. Hitting these milestones would be a major step forward for MMA on the continent, giving fighters the chance to chase their dreams at home and giving fans a place where they truly see themselves on the global stage. For Davis and the PFL, Africa isn't just another expansion; it's a region that can change the future of MMA worldwide.
