The Professional Fighters League (PFL) continues its global expansion with the launch of PFL Africa this year. Set to debut in Cape Town on July 26 at the Grand West Arena, this new international league marks a significant milestone for the organization, building on its previous successes in Europe and the Middle East. CEO Peter Murray spoke with Newsweek Sports about the exciting developments and what fans can expect from the upcoming event.
PFL Africa Set to Make a Splash in Cape Town
PFL Africa is not just another international league; it’s an ambitious step for the organization as it continues to broaden its global reach. With PFL Europe already in its third year and PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa) marking its second, the introduction of PFL Africa is a highly anticipated event in the MMA community. Murray couldn’t hide his excitement during the interview, confirming that Cape Town will be the starting point for this new chapter in the PFL’s global growth.
“We are going to kick off PFL Africa, the third international league, and we are going to kick that tournament off in Cape Town on July 26 in South Africa at the Grand West Arena. Super excited about it,” Murray said. This announcement underscores the PFL’s commitment to expanding its footprint and elevating MMA in new regions.
This launch isn’t just about introducing a new league—it’s about showcasing some of the best talent the sport has to offer. Murray mentioned that the PFL’s global stars would play a major role in kickstarting the Africa league. With the Champions Series also part of the festivities, it’s clear that the PFL is bringing top-tier competition to South Africa.
A Star-Studded Lineup for the PFL Africa Event
The event’s highlight will be the PFL Champions Series, which will feature five high-profile fights, including two world-class bouts that have already been confirmed. Undefeated middleweight champion Johnny Eblen (16-0) will face Costello van Steenis (16-3), while undefeated star Dakota Ditcheva (14-0) will battle Sumiko Inaba (8-1) in the women’s flyweight division.
These matches aren’t just about bragging rights; they’re about setting the stage for the future of PFL Africa. Eblen and van Steenis are two fighters known for their striking and grappling skills, promising an intense showdown. Ditcheva and Inaba, on the other hand, are both unbeaten and will likely put on a show for the fans. With these names headlining, the event is poised to attract global attention.
Notable Fights on the PFL Africa Card:
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Heavyweight First Round Bout: Maxwell Djantou Nana (6-1) vs. Mickael Groguhe (6-2)
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Bantamweight First Round Bout: Nkosi Ndebele (8-3) vs. Mahmoud Atef (5-2)
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Heavyweight First Round Bout: Abdoullah Kane (3-0) vs. Mohammad Ben Yahia (9-4)
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Bantamweight First Round Bout: Simbarashe Hokonya (5-0) vs. Abderrahman Errachidy (4-1)
With the event packed with promising fighters from Africa and around the world, the PFL is positioning PFL Africa as a platform for both established stars and emerging talent to make their mark.
Francis Ngannou Takes the Helm as PFL Africa’s Chairman
One of the most exciting aspects of this expansion is the involvement of MMA superstar Francis Ngannou. Known for his knockout power and strong presence in the UFC, Ngannou is now the chairman of PFL Africa. His decision to partner with the PFL to lead the African expansion is a big win for the organization, and Murray couldn’t be more thrilled.
“PFL Africa is led by Francis Ngannou, he is our chairman in partnership with Helios… Our strategic partner Helios is a lead investor in NBA Africa,” Murray explained. Ngannou, who hails from Cameroon, is deeply invested in the development of MMA in Africa. This partnership not only brings a beloved African fighter to the forefront but also ensures the PFL’s commitment to nurturing local talent and creating opportunities for athletes across the continent.
Ngannou’s involvement also represents the PFL’s dedication to bringing MMA to the masses in Africa. With his leadership, the league hopes to inspire the next generation of African fighters and give them a platform to compete at the highest levels without needing to leave their home continent.
Expanding Global Reach: Strategic Partnerships and Media Coverage
As PFL Africa gears up for its July launch, the organization has also forged key partnerships to ensure maximum visibility. One of the biggest steps in this direction is its collaboration with Canal+, which will provide broad coverage of the event across the region. This partnership will help the PFL reach millions of fans in Africa, ensuring that the league’s growth is felt far and wide.
Murray also teased that fans in the U.S. will soon have access to stream the event. Although the specific details are yet to be confirmed, the promise of streaming options highlights the PFL’s global outreach and efforts to make this event accessible to audiences worldwide.
The inclusion of PFL Champions Series fights further adds to the excitement. The Champions Series is a staple for the PFL, offering some of the most competitive matchups in the sport. Murray was clear about the significance of this ongoing franchise: “The PFL Champions Series is a signature franchise for us. It’s where the best compete… we are continuing that momentum and staging PFL Champions Series in world-class destinations.”
With its sights set on international growth, PFL Africa looks like it will quickly become a key player in the global MMA scene.
