Electric night in Johannesburg as PFL Africa delivers explosive Featherweight and Welterweight action

The African MMA market continues to pass the litmus test from the Professional Fighters League's perspective following yet another successful PFL Africa event.

Last night, Carnival City lived up to its name as it delivered a night of enthralling moments, entertainment, and spectacle as PFL Africa’s Feather and Welterweights threw down inside the Smart Cage in pursuit of PFL Africa Gold.

As one of the largest MMA brands in the world, the PFL this year confirmed its move to create a new franchise within Africa, all part of their global expansion plan. It was a great win for Africa, as the continent is booming with combat sport talent, and the MMA ecosystem needs a high-level international promotion that can assist brands like the EFC and AKO and empower the thousands of stars coming through the system.

PFL Africa rolled out its first show in Cape Town in July, focusing on the Bantamweights and Heavyweights, all of which are part of the 2025 Tournament that will conclude at the end of the year in Benin.

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The show was a massive success, however, it was not a real indicator just yet for the PFL business and bean counters as they had a secret weapon for that event in the form of the Champions Series: Road to Dubai, that had seen some of the world’s most popular stars including AJ McKee, Corey Anderson, Dakota Ditcheva, Johnny Eblen and Costello Van Steenis compete on the main card. It was a PFL Africa card on steroids, as these are world-renowned names. Even the great Khabib Nurmagomedov was in the house as he formed part of Akhmed Magomedov and Artur Zaynukov’s coaching team. 

But last night, in the Big Top Arena in Brakpan, Johannesburg, the PFL founder Donn Davis was assured that there is a hunger and huge market in Mzansi and Africa and that the PFL has invested in the right place as thousands of MMA hungry fans danced, shouted, cheered, cried, laughed, clapped and celebrated a card only for African fighters who proved that they’re all carrying major star power and are set for global success. It was a big night for African MMA! 

Countless celebrities, sports stars, and key figures within South Africa were inside the Big Top Arena as musical star Daliwonga set the tone and got the crowd, including Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, moving to the AfroNation beat.

PFL Africa’s Johannesburg card delivered an electric ten fights and left little work to the judges as fans got to witness seven finishes and only three decisions.

In total, eight African Feather and Welterweight stars punched their tickets to the PFL Africa 2025 semi-finals.

In the main event, Patrick Ocheme (7-1) capped off the night with a strong performance, defeating Mohamed Camara (5-3-1) by unanimous decision to clinch his spot in the PFL Africa Featherweight Semifinals. Ocheme overcame a slow start in the first round and turned the tide in the second after dropping Camara with a big shot. He remained in control in the final round to secure the victory and a place in the Featherweight final four.

In the co-main event, Shido Boris Esperanca (10-1) needed just 34 seconds to submit Ibrahima Mané (13-6) and secure his place in the PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinals. At the opening bell, Esperanca blitzed Mané, immediately took his back, locked in the choke, and forced the tap in seconds.

Also in the Welterweight Division, Octave Ayinda (6-0) made quick work of British Boloyoang (3-2), winning by TKO and advancing to the PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinals. Ayinda escaped an early guillotine choke attempt from Boloyoang and managed to wind up on top. From there, he punished Boloyoang with heavy shots, forcing the referee to stop the bout at the 1:55 mark of the first round.

Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) turned in an impressive all-around performance, outstriking and outgrappling Sanon Sadeck (7-3) over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory and a place in the PFL Africa Welterweight Semifinals. N’tchala picked his shots and set up his takedowns effectively to cruise past Sadeck and claim the important win.

Moving forward in the Featherweight division, Patrick Ocheme will face Abdoul Razac Sankara, while Wasi Adeshina meets Dwight Joseph. Meanwhile, in the Welterweight Division, Shido Boris Esperanca will take on Octave Ayinda, and Yabna N’tchala will go up against Emilios Dassi.

PFL Africa First Round: Johannesburg Results

Patrick Ocheme (7-1) def. Mohamed Camara (5-3-1) via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)

Shido Boris Esperanca (10-1) def. Ibrahima Mané (13-6) by submission (rear naked choke) at 0:34 of round one

Octave Ayinda (6-0) def. British Boloyoang (3-2) by TKO () at 1:55 of round one

Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) def. Sanon Sadeck (7-3) by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28 x2)

Emilios Dassi (5-1) def. Osvaldo Benedito (3-2) by KO (punches) at 2:12 of round one

Wasi Adeshina (8-3) def. Jean Jacques Lubaya (9-2) via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:14 of round two

Dwight Joseph (15-2) def. Wilker Nsamo (7-1) via KO (knee) at 4:57 of round two

Abderahman Errachidy (5-1) def. Elbert Steyn (3-1) via TKO (knee) at 0:14 of round two

Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-3) def. Shadrack Yemba (4-1) via KO (head kick) at 2:01 of round one

Kunle Lawal (3-1) def. Desmond Tamungang (5-1) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

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