PFL Launches Second Year in Africa with Exciting Lineup in Pretoria

Original: PFL moving full steam ahead in Africa despite UFC's trepidation

Espn•Apr 8, 20264 min

In a Nutshell

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is advancing its presence in Africa, hosting its second season opener at SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. The event features notable fighters, including Nkosi Ndebele and Michele Clemente, and reflects PFL's commitment to making MMA accessible across the continent.

Key Points

01PFL Africa kicks off its second season in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 10, 2025.
02Main event features Nkosi Ndebele defending his bantamweight title against Michele Clemente.
03PFL aims to make MMA accessible with ticket prices starting from R199.
04The league is expanding its reach into West Africa, recognizing its potential for MMA growth.
05Dricus du Plessis and Gayton McKenzie highlighted UFC's high ticket prices as a barrier to entry in Africa.

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Full Summary

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is set to launch its second season in Africa at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, on April 10, 2025. This event follows a successful inaugural year that included venues in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kigali, and Cotonou. PFL Africa General Manager Elias Schulze emphasized the league's commitment to engaging fans and making MMA a sport for the people across the continent. The main event will feature Nkosi 'King' Ndebele, who will defend his bantamweight title against Italy's Michele 'The Arrow' Clemente. Other notable matchups include Justin Clarke facing Senegal's Abdoulaye Kane in the heavyweight division and an all-South African bantamweight bout between Asiashu Tshitamba and Shannon van Tonder. PFL's focus on affordable ticket pricing, starting at R199, contrasts with the UFC's higher prices, which have been identified as a barrier for events in Africa. Schulze also hinted at future events in West Africa, showcasing the PFL's ambition to tap into the region's MMA potential.

Key Figures