PFL Africa: A New Chapter for MMA
The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to expand its global reach with the official launch of the PFL Africa division. The inaugural event will take place on July 26 in Cape Town, South Africa, marking a significant milestone for mixed martial arts on the African continent.
The main event will feature an exciting showdown between middleweight champion Johnny Eblen and Costello van Steenis. In addition, the 2024 flyweight world tournament champion, Dakota Ditcheva, will face Sumiko Inaba, promising a night full of action and excitement for the fans.
Launching the PFL Champions Series in Cape Town, along with the launch of PFL Africa, reflects our commitment to growing the sport of MMA across the continent, as well as providing pathways for African fighters to compete globally and become champions.
Peter Murray, CEO of PFL
PFL Africa joins the company’s existing international divisions, PFL Europe and PFL MENA (Middle East and North Africa). The promotion has plans to further expand its international divisions in the near future, consolidating its presence on the global MMA stage.
Johnny Eblen, 33, will make his first appearance in 2025. In 2024, he achieved a 2-0 record under the PFL banner, securing decision victories over Fabian Edwards and Impa Kasanganay. For her part, Dakota Ditcheva established herself as one of the company’s brightest stars in 2024, with four knockout finishes in a seven-month period.
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.
