RWANDA (August 25, 2025) – The Skilled Fighters League (PFL) at this time introduced 4 bouts for the historic first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals, going down Saturday, October 18 at BK Area in Kigali, Rwanda. This occasion marks the largest MMA competitors ever to happen in East Africa, underscoring Rwanda’s rising status as a premier vacation spot for world-class sports activities and leisure.
Rwanda has shortly established itself on the worldwide sports activities map, internet hosting worldwide spectacles such because the Basketball Africa League (BAL), main live shows, and high-profile competitions. By bringing the PFL Africa Semifinals to Kigali, the league is including MMA to that record of milestone moments and cementing Rwanda’s place as a hub for sport and tradition whereas making historical past with the nation’s first main MMA occasion.
For the primary time, Africa’s elite fighters are on the highway to Benin, the place 4 champions will likely be topped and declare the title of the easiest in Africa and among the many finest on this planet. After two groundbreaking occasions in Cape City and Johannesburg, the inaugural PFL Africa Event now reaches its Semifinal stage, the place Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight finalists will likely be determined, with extra bouts to be introduced shortly.
“This can be a historic second for PFL and for the game throughout Africa,” stated John Martin, PFL CEO. “We’re proud to deliver the first-ever PFL Africa Semifinals to Kigali’s BK Area and showcase the continent’s finest on one among its premier levels.”
In the primary occasion, Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (7-1), who outworked Mohamed Camara in Johannesburg to safe his place within the Semifinals, now faces Burkina Faso’s Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4), the flashy striker who delivered Joburg’s knockout of the night time with a spectacular head kick over Shadrick Dju Yemba. Their assembly pits Ocheme’s regular composure and expertise towards Sankara’s explosive ending energy, with a spot within the 145-pound Finals hanging within the steadiness.
The co-main occasion options South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), referred to as the “King of Many Nations,” who continues his march by way of the Bantamweight bracket after a commanding efficiency in Cape City. Throughout the SmartCage will likely be undefeated Simbarashe “Simba” Hokonya (6-0), a harmful contender from Zimbabwe who trains with Nicholas Hwende, the final man at hand Ndebele a loss. With nationwide pleasure and private redemption on the road in Kigali, the stage is ready for a dramatic Semifinal showdown.
Welterweight motion sees Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (10-1), contemporary off a viral 34-second submission win in Johannesburg, taking up Cameroon’s undefeated Octave “Bantu Warrior” Ayinda (7-0), who blasted by way of his earlier opponent with a first-round TKO. Each fighters ignited social media with their dancing celebrations, however in Rwanda just one will be capable to have a good time and advance to the Finals.
The Heavyweight bracket opens the primary card, as Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1), who impressed the Cape City crowd along with his energy, collides with South Africa’s undefeated Justin Clarke (3-0), who eradicated Nana’s countryman Jashell Ticha Awa within the First Spherical. With each males keen to ascertain themselves because the face of PFL Africa’s Heavyweight division, followers can count on a thunderous begin to the night time.PFL Africa: Rwanda Predominant Card:BK Area, Kigali, RwandaSuperSport (Africa – English) | Canal+ (Africa – French)PFL App (U.S.)Saturday, 18 October
Featherweight Semifinal Predominant Occasion: Patrick Ocheme (7-1) vs. Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4)Bantamweight Semifinal Co-Predominant Occasion: Nkosi Ndebele (9-3) vs. Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0)Welterweight Semifinal Bout: Shido Boris Esperança (10-1) vs. Octave Ayinda (7-0)Heavyweight Semifinal Bout: Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) vs. Justin Clarke (3-0)
