PFL Africa: A New Chapter in the World of MMA
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) will officially launch its PFL Africa division on July 26 in Cape Town, South Africa.
The main event of the night will feature the middleweight champion, Johnny Eblen, who will face Costello van Steenis. In addition, the 2024 flyweight world tournament champion, Dakota Ditcheva, will face Sumiko Inaba.
This event will mark the beginning of the PFL Champions Series, which essentially replaces the Bellator Champions Series, following the merger of both fighter rosters.
“Launching the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town along with the launch of PFL Africa reflects our commitment to grow the sport of MMA across the continent, as well as provide African fighters with the opportunity to compete globally and become champions,” stated Peter Murray, CEO of PFL.
Peter Murray
PFL Africa joins the company’s other international divisions, PFL Europe and PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa). The promotion has plans to expand its international divisions in the near future.
Eblen, 33, will make his first appearance in 2025. In 2024, he achieved a 2-0 record under the PFL banner, with decision victories over Fabian Edwards and Impa Kasanganay. Ditcheva established herself as one of the company’s most important stars in 2024, with four knockouts in a span of seven months.
PFL heavyweight star Francis Ngannou is expected to play a central role as the chairman of PFL Africa, a title he accepted when he signed with the promotion in 2023.
