Sport

PFL Africa makes historic MMA debut in Rwanda

MMA

Julian Kiewietz|Published

Nkosi Ndebele will be one of two South Africans flying the flag in the PFL Africa semi-final in October. Photo: PFL Africa

Image: PFLAfrica

PFL Africa will host its inaugural MMA show in Rwanda, delighting local fans.

On 18 October, PFL Africa moves one step closer to crowning its first champions when the semi-finals of the 2025 tournament take place at the BK Arena in Kigali.

The continent’s Heavy, Welter, Feather, and Bantamweight stars will step inside the PFL Smart Cage to continue their pursuit of gold and an opportunity to enter the global PFL tournament.

This event marks the biggest MMA competition ever to take place in East Africa, highlighting Rwanda’s growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class sport and entertainment.

For the first time, Africa’s elite fighters are on the road to Benin, where four champions will be crowned, earning the title of the very best in Africa and among the elite in the world.

“This is a historic moment for PFL and for the sport across Africa,” said John Martin, PFL CEO. “We’re proud to bring the first-ever PFL Africa Semi-Finals to Kigali’s BK Arena and showcase the continent’s best on one of its premier stages.”

In the main event, Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (7-1), who outworked Mohamed Camara in Johannesburg to secure his semi-final spot, faces Burkina Faso’s Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4), the flashy striker who delivered Johannesburg’s knockout of the night with a spectacular head kick over Shadrick Dju Yemba. Ocheme’s steady composure and experience will be tested against Sankara’s explosive finishing power, with a place in the 145-pound Finals at stake.

The co-main event features South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), known as the “King of Many Nations,” who continues his march through the Bantamweight bracket after a commanding performance in Cape Town. Across the Smart Cage is undefeated Simbarashe “Simba” Hokonya (6-0), a dangerous contender from Zimbabwe who trains with Nicholas Hwende, the last man to hand Ndebele a loss. National pride and personal redemption collide in this dramatic semi-final showdown.

Welterweight action sees Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (10-1), fresh from a viral 34-second submission win in Johannesburg, take on Cameroon’s undefeated Octave “Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-0), who dominated his previous opponent with a first-round TKO. Only one will advance to the Finals.

The Heavyweight bracket opens the main card, as Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1), who impressed the Cape Town crowd with his power, collides with South Africa’s undefeated Justin Clarke (3-0), who eliminated Nana’s countryman Jashell Ticha Awa in the first round. Fans can expect a thunderous start to the night.

At PFL Cape Town, DRC’s Boule Godogo (4-0) and Karim Henniene (5-0) secured their 135-pound semi-final spots, while Joffie Houlton (8-4) and Abraham Bably (6-2) joined Nana and Clarke in the Heavyweight knockout stages.

In Johannesburg, Nigeria’s Wasi Adeshina (8-3) earned a Featherweight semi-final spot against Liberia’s Dwight Joseph (15-2), while in the Welterweight division, Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) is set to face Emilios Dassi (5-1).

PFL Africa is yet to confirm the final four semi-final fights.

PFL Africa: Rwanda Main Card BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda

SuperSport (Africa – English) | Canal+ (Africa – French) Saturday, October 18

  • Featherweight Semi-Final Main Event: Patrick Ocheme (7-1) v Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4)

  • Bantamweight Semi-Final Co-Main Event: Nkosi Ndebele (9-3) v Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0)

  • Welterweight Semi-Final Bout: Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) v Octave Ayinda (7-0)

  • Heavyweight Semi-Final Bout: Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) v Justin Clarke (3-0)