Latest news with #SmartCage
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Francis Ngannou provides update on Deontay Wilder fight and MMA return
Francis Ngannou has been out of action for nearly a year, but the PFL star has no plans to return to the SmartCage as he looks to secure a boxing match with Deontay Wilder Francis Ngannou has expressed his desire to face Deontay Wilder in the ring, following the PFL star's admission that talks between the two camps are set to take place. Ngannou, who left UFC two years ago, signed a lucrative deal with PFL but not before dipping his toes into the world of professional boxing. He made his debut in October 2023 against Tyson Fury, in what was expected to be an easy win for the 'Gypsy King'. However, Ngannou proved to be a formidable opponent, even managing to floor the Brit, although he ultimately lost by split decision after a thrilling bout. He returned to the ring in March 2024 to face Anthony Joshua, but this time the fight was more one-sided, with Joshua delivering a knockout blow in the second round. In October, Ngannou made his PFL debut, defeating Renan Ferreira in the first round. Despite it being nearly a year since his last fight, the 38-year-old has no immediate plans to return to the SmartCage, reports All Out Fighting. Instead, he is setting his sights on a showdown with Wilder. The heavyweight from Cameroon has been vocal about wanting to fight the 'Bronze Bomber' and it appears that discussions between the two teams will soon take place. When questioned about a potential return to MMA this year, Ngannou dismissed the idea, stating that his focus is firmly on boxing. "There's nothing yet, I don't think they have an opening for me, so we will wait," Ngannou told Ariel Helwani about his return to MMA. "We still have time. Meanwhile, we're trying on the Deontay Wilder fight." When pressed about whether Ngannou fancies a bout with the American heavyweight, the 38-year-old responded: "Yes. I do." He continued: "We haven't engaged personally, but it's gonna be soon. We are setting some things up, but I keep training. I'm training." Wilder is considered the third pillar of the division's elite triumvirate, alongside Fury and Joshua, before Oleksandr Usyk entered the heavyweight scene. The 'Bronze Bomber' was a devastating presence, delivering numerous savage knockout triumphs as champion before falling to Fury. Following his second defeat to Fury in 2021, the boxing veteran bounced back with victory over Robert Helenius, only to endure consecutive setbacks against Joseph Parker and Zhilei Zhang. He secured his first triumph in almost three years this past June, overcoming Tyrrell Anthony Herndon. In the same interview with Helwani, Ngannou later asked if the fight is his top choice across all sports and opponents. 'I would say so, since the Jon Jones fight is off," said Ngannou. "It [the Jones fight] cannot be a part of my top choice.' Both Ngannou and Jon Jones have been tipped to fight each other for quite some time, but nothing has ever materialised. Regarding the potential clash, Ngannou admitted: 'No, it never got off the ground. For sure, the UFC doesn't want anything to do with co-promotion stuff. I think even Turki [Alalshikh] tried to make that fight happen. They don't want it.' On the American's retirement, Ngannou speculated: 'Maybe that was his own maneuver of negotiation. Retirement doesn't mean anything. If he decides tomorrow that he's fighting, then that retirement is void. It means nothing. Nobody will stop him if he keeps training. That doesn't change anything.' When is Francis Ngannou's next fight? It's been nearly a year since Ngannou last stepped into the ring. The PFL recently hosted two historic events in Africa, and Ngannou played a significant role in introducing MMA to his cherished continent. However, many were left puzzled as to why he did not participate in either of the two cards. Explaining why he did not fight, he said: "For example, like if you want to know what exactly is the reason why I wasn't there. I wasn't very okay with the first PFL Africa event seeming to be like an undercard. "Quoting him, we work a lot for that, PFL Africa, but I hoped PFL Africa's debut would have at least have its glory, its moment. But that wasn't my decision and I wasn't down for it. I express my feeling to them." With Ngannou apparently keen to take on Wilder, a potential clash could happen before the year ends. The 'Bronze Bomber' disclosed prior to his comeback that he's aiming for two fights this year and remains willing to face the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
PFL Cape Town Co-Main Event Preview: Dakota Ditcheva
Saturday the PFL has their first event in Africa as the promotion heads to Cape Town and they are bringing a really strong card with them. In the co-main event, the promotion's biggest star will be competing as 2024 flyweight champion Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) takes on Sumiko Inaba (8-1). Starting out with Inaba, she's the biggest underdog on the card and she is facing a mountain of a challenge on Saturday. Inaba will enter the Smart Cage having won two fights in a row. Most recently, she stopped Mackenzie Stiller back in September. Inaba made her professional MMA debut with Bellator back in 2020 and won her first six fights before suffering her first loss. After that first loss, she responded very well with those last two victories. While we have to mention Inaba, let's be honest, this fight is all about Dakota Ditcheva. Everything about Dakota Ditcheva just oozes superstar. From her look to the way she fights, she's a promotion's dream. Ditcheva ran through PFL Europe back in 2023 and then competed in the flyweight season last year. She went 4-0 with four stoppages. The only person to get out of the first round was Taila Santos and the former UFC title challenger couldn't make it to the third round. In her professional career, Ditcheva has only gone to the judges scorecards once and I don't see that changing at PFL Cape Town. I fully expect Ditcheva to do her thing and secure another finish at the historic event. Related Headlines Mets are reportedly 'frontrunners' in race for Pirates star pitcher Knicks 88, Pacers 91: Good news and bad news as comeback effort falls short Rays first baseman would be 'high' on the Red Sox's wish list should he be made available The Braves have something special in power-hitting rookie
Qatar Tribune
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Ukah, Niedermayr face off in Kinshasa ahead of historic PFL Africa debut
Tribune News Network Doha The Professional Fighters League (PFL) held an open workout ahead of the debut of the inaugural season of PFL Africa, which is set to take place on Saturday, July 19th at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa. The open workout took place at the Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa, Congo, and featured Nigeria's Juliet Ukah and South Africa's Ceileigh Niedermayr. The two PFL Africa stars will face off in a Showcase Women's Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town. In front of the fans and media in attendance, Ukah and Niedermayr showcased their skills in a public training session before facing off for the first time ahead of their highly anticipated showdown. Tickets for the event are on sale now via Ticketpro. Juliet Ukah said: '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!' Ceileigh 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.' The historic PFL Cape Town event will kick off the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, featuring First Round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions. The event will also be headlined by five must-see PFL Champions Series bouts, including a Middleweight World Championship main event between titleholder Johnny 'Pressure' Eblen (16-0) and challenger Costello 'The Spaniard' van Steenis (16-3).
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
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. More news: UFC Legend Jon Jones Has Officially Retired 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. — 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 More news: Exclusive: Mike Perry on Dirty Boxing Success and Partnering With Jon Jones 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. For more on MMA, head to Newsweek Sports.
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
‘I want to be the best': Kuwait's Eman Almudhaf eyes debut success at PFL MENA in Jeddah
JEDDAH: Undefeated Kuwaiti mixed martial arts standout Eman Almudhaf is determined to be victorious in her long-awaited SmartCage debut at PFL MENA 1 on May 9 at the Onyx Arena in Jeddah. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The card for the PFL MENA's highly-anticipated second season in Jeddah features an exciting crop of newcomers, which includes Almudhaf, who faces fellow PFL debutant Shamara Braga from Brazil in a women's featherweight showcase bout. The 32-year-old Almudhaf owns a pristine 4-0 professional MMA record, with all her wins coming by way of stoppage. Ahead of her maiden appearance, the UAE Warriors veteran has made her goals clear: 'I want to be the best.' While it may sound like a lofty goal, it is one that Almudhaf expects out of herself, especially since she has already made history as the first female fighter from Kuwait to join the PFL. More than just the distinction of being the first, Almudhaf is proud to be blazing a path for athletes like herself. 'Being the first Kuwaiti female fighter in the PFL is great, of course. 'We're showing that we belong in this sport at the highest level, just as much as anyone,' she said. Almudhaf relishes the opportunity, especially since she was a witness to PFL MENA's immensely successful first season. 'I did follow some of the fights, especially when the Kuwaiti fighters were on. I did follow last season's finals as well,' she revealed. 'I'm impressed by the level of talent and how fast the league is growing.' 'I'm very excited to be part of the biggest show in the Middle East right now,' she added. In her first assignment under the PFL MENA banner, Almudhaf will take on a dangerous and significantly more experienced fighter in Braga, who owns a 5-3 professional record. While her opponent has had more fights, Almudhaf is unfazed. 'My opponent looks tough and has double the cage experience I have, but technically and tactically, I believe that I'm better in all aspects of the game,' she said. 'I predict a dominant performance.' Almudhaf will not have the luxury of a full fight camp for her PFL debut, but she is confident that her years of work have prepared her well for this opportunity. 'Though it was a relatively short-notice fight, I have always been training and staying ready for any opportunity that comes,' she explained. 'I can't wait to show all the work I've put in, not just for this fight but from all my years of training.' While Almudhaf hails from Kuwait, she sharpens her skills in the UK, training out of the famed London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team stables. 'I'm incredibly proud to represent Kuwait and the MENA region, as well as both my teams in the UK, London Fight Factory and Great Britain Top Team,' she shared. Almudhaf hopes she can become an inspiration for another generation of Kuwaiti athletes. 'If I had any advice, it would be to stay focused, work hard, and don't let anyone limit you.' She added: 'Yes, of course, there are many challenges, different ones at each stage of my career, but I believe that having the belief in myself, a big passion for the sport, and a strong team around me helps me face any obstacle along the way.'
