The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has announced the matchups for the first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18, at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. The landmark event will feature the Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight and Bantamweight divisions in what will be the biggest MMA competition ever staged in East Africa.
The PFL Africa Semifinals mark Rwanda’s debut as host of a major MMA event, adding to its growing reputation as a global sports and entertainment hub. Kigali has previously welcomed the Basketball Africa League (BAL), international concerts and major competitions, and now MMA joins that list of milestones.
“This is a historic moment for PFL and for the sport across Africa,” said PFL CEO John Martin. “We’re proud to bring the first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals to Kigali’s BK Arena and showcase the continent’s best on one of its premier stages.”
The event follows two successful PFL Africa shows in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Winners in Kigali will advance to the Finals in Benin, where champions will be crowned in four divisions.
Main Event: Ocheme vs. Sankara
Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (7-1) returns after outworking Mohamed Camara in Johannesburg. He will face Burkina Faso’s Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4), who scored a highlight-reel head kick knockout in Joburg. Ocheme brings composure and experience, while Sankara’s striking power could decide who moves on to the Featherweight Finals.
Co-Main Event: Ndebele vs. Hokonya
South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), the “King of Many Nations,” continues his Bantamweight run after a dominant showing in Cape Town. He will meet Zimbabwe’s undefeated Simbarashe “Simba” Hokonya (6-0), a rising contender who trains with Nicholas Hwende, the last man to defeat Ndebele. National pride and personal redemption will be at stake in Kigali.
Welterweight Showdown: Esperança vs. Ayinda
Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) enters the cage after a viral 34-second submission win in Johannesburg. He will face Cameroon’s unbeaten Octave “Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-0), who secured a first-round TKO in his last outing. Both fighters are known for their celebrations, but only one will dance his way to the Finals.
Heavyweight Clash: Djantou Nana vs. Clarke
The night opens with Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) battling South Africa’s Justin Clarke (3-0). Nana impressed fans in Cape Town with his power, while Clarke eliminated Jashell Ticha Awa in the opening round. Both seek to cement their place as the face of PFL Africa’s Heavyweight division.
The PFL Africa Semifinals on Oct. 18 at BK Arena promise a historic night for MMA in Rwanda, as the continent’s top fighters move one step closer to championship glory.
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