The Professional Fighters League (PFL) is launching PFL Africa, its third international league, set to debut on July 26, 2025, at GrandWest Arena in Cape Town. This inaugural event will kick off the 2025 PFL Africa Tournament, featuring first-round matchups in the Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions with an eight-man bracket. Francis Ngannou leads the effort as Chairman, alongside General Manager Elias Schulze, and will showcase 24 fighters from 14 African countries. The event will feature a Middleweight World Title fight and a Women’s Flyweight co-main event. Local broadcasting will be supported by Canal+ and SuperSport, with mobile access aimed at 90% of African households.

By the Numbers
  • 24 fighters participating from 14 African countries.
  • 8-man brackets for both Heavyweight and Bantamweight divisions.
  • 5 bouts in the PFL Champions Series, including a title fight.
Yes, But

The PFL's expansion into Africa comes amidst a competitive landscape in global MMA, questioning whether it can establish a strong foothold versus established brands like the UFC and Bellator.

State of Play
  • The event is slated for a major venue in Cape Town, emphasizing local engagement.
  • PFL Africa aims to enhance MMA's visibility across the continent with dedicated broadcast partnerships.
What's Next

The completion of the full tournament schedule and host cities for subsequent rounds is anticipated, along with additional fighter announcements as the July debut approaches.

Bottom Line

PFL Africa's launch represents a significant opportunity to showcase and develop African MMA talent, aiming to connect with a burgeoning audience while navigating a competitive market.