PFL Africa Launches With Open Workout Ahead of Cape Town Debut on July 19

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) hosted an open workout at Champions Academy RDC Gym in Kinshasa ahead of the inaugural season of PFL Africa, set to debut on Saturday, July 19 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest in Cape Town, South Africa.

The workout featured Nigeria’s Juliet Ukah and South Africa’s Ceileigh Niedermayr, who will meet in a Showcase Women’s Strawweight bout at PFL Cape Town. The public training session drew fans and media as both fighters displayed their skills and faced off for the first time ahead of their historic clash.

“I’m very happy to be on the first PFL Africa card, and my fight with Ceileigh is going to be an exciting one,” Ukah said. “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.”

Ukah, who expressed confidence in her striking and experience, added:

“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, who called the fight a reflection of her lifelong dedication to martial arts, said she is prepared to deliver her signature style of "Smiley Savagery."

“It’s truly an honor to be part of the first-ever women’s fight in PFL Africa,” Niedermayr said. “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.”

The PFL Cape Town event will launch the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, featuring first-round bouts in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions, along with five PFL Champions Series fights.

Headlining the card is a Middleweight World Championship main event between undefeated champion Johnny “Pressure” Eblen (16-0) and challenger Costello “The Spaniard” van Steenis (16-3).

Tickets are available now via Ticketpro.

PFL Cape Town will begin at 4:30 p.m. SAST / 10:30 a.m. EST with tournament bouts, followed by the Champions Series at 8:30 p.m. SAST / 2:30 p.m. EST. A U.S. broadcast partner will be announced soon.