PRETORIA (April 10, 2026) – The Professional Fighters League (PFL) launched its PFL Africa series in Pretoria at the SunBet Arena, delivering a night packed with MMA action and impressive performances for a sold-out South African crowd.
In the PFL Africa bantamweight main event, Nkosi Ndebele of South Africa faced Michele Clemente of Italy. The bout was a closely contested striking battle with both fighters exchanging sharp punches and elbows. Clemente applied relentless pressure, but Ndebele landed effective counters throughout the fight. Ultimately, the South African secured a unanimous decision victory in what was hailed as a classic encounter.
The heavyweight division provided a dramatic fight between Senegal’s Abdoulaye Kane and South Africa’s Justin Clarke. Kane landed a significant combination early, causing damage to Clarke. However, the hometown hero rallied back, landing a powerful counter right hand that knocked Kane out, securing a comeback victory for Clarke.
Nigeria’s David Samuel kicked off his welterweight tournament campaign with a dominant first-round submission win over Abdelrahman Mohammad. Samuel showcased sharp boxing, dropping his opponent multiple times before securing a rear-naked choke on the ground.
In another welterweight tournament bout, late replacement Rivaldo Pereira of Guinea-Bissau capitalized on his opportunity, stopping Kunle Lawal in the first round. Pereira’s body shot followed by ground-and-pound secured his place in the next stage of the tournament. Samuel and Pereira are now set to face each other in the semi-finals, promising an exciting clash of finishers.
Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança advanced in the welterweight tournament with a dominant first-round TKO over Emilios Dassi. After a quick takedown, Esperança controlled the position and delivered a barrage of elbows and punches until the referee intervened.
In a different welterweight tournament fight, Yabna “The Panther” N’Tchala started strongly against Peace Nguphane of South Africa. Nguphane managed to turn the tide with takedowns and solid top control, earning a unanimous decision victory and delighting the home crowd. Esperança and Nguphane are now scheduled to meet in the welterweight semi-finals.
An all-Nigerian catchweight bout saw Juliet Ukah emerge victorious over Jane Osigwe via split decision. Ukah controlled the center of the cage and landed cleaner shots, convincing two of the three judges.
The event also announced that PFL Africa will hold its second event in West Africa on June 13 at the Eko Arena in Lagos, Nigeria. The card will be headlined by the reigning 2025 PFL Africa Featherweight Champion, Wasi Adeshina of Nigeria, who will face Spanish fighter Ignacio Campos. The lightweight co-main event will feature Nigerian fighter Patrick Ocheme against Cameroonian contender Octave Ayinda.
PFL AFRICA: PRETORIA Results:
- Nkosi Ndebele (12-3) defeated Michele Clemente (7-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Justin Clarke (5-1) defeated Abdoulaye Kane (5-2) via TKO (punches) in round 1 at 2:12
- Peace Nguphane (9-3) defeated Yabna N’Tchala (14-3-1) via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Shido Boris Esperança (12-2) defeated Emilios Dassi (5-3) via TKO (elbows and punches) in round one at 3:17
- Rivaldo Pereira (4-2) defeated Kunle Lawal (3-2) via TKO (punch to body and elbows) in round one at 2:09
- Juliet Ukah (9-0) defeated Jane Osigwe (5-4) via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 29-28)
- David Samuel (6-0) defeated Abdelrahman Mohammad (5-1) via submission (rear-naked choke) at 4:03 of round one
- Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-5) vs. Áureo Cruz (3-0) ends in a No Contest (accidental eye poke) at 0:18 into round 2
- Shadrack Dju Yemba (6-1) defeated Jean-Jacques Lubaya (9-3) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
- Asiashu Tshitamba (7-5) defeated Shannon van Tonder (7-4) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Felista-Mutheu Mugo (6-2-1) defeated Annet Kiiza (3-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
