Nkosi Ndebele keen to remind the world why he is the King of Many Nations at PFL Africa

South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele has always been an adventurer at heart.

For professional fighters like him, the lifestyle comes with unique perks — traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, and testing yourself on foreign soil. The young and vibrant mixed martial artist embraces every opportunity to immerse himself in the places he visits.

A former BRAVE CF Bantamweight Champion, Ndebele (9–3) has already seen much of the world through MMA, competing in destinations such as South Africa, Colombia, Indonesia, Bahrain, and Mauritius. This week, he added another stamp to his passport — Kigali, Rwanda, where he’ll compete in the inaugural PFL Africa Semi-Finals at the iconic BK Arena.

Ndebele is set to face Zimbabwe’s unbeaten rising star Simbarashe Hokonya (6–0) in the Bantamweight division, with both athletes vying for a spot in the PFL Africa Finals — scheduled for Benin in December, where the continent’s first-ever PFL Africa champions will be crowned.

This historic event marks the largest MMA showcase ever held in East Africa, further underscoring Rwanda’s growing reputation as a hub for world-class sports and entertainment.

Ndebele’s Impressions of Rwanda’s Beauty and Hospitality

Since landing in the “Land of a Thousand Hills,” Ndebele has been in awe of Rwanda’s beauty and hospitality.

“Man, it is so beautiful, brother. That’s one thing I was surprised about. It’s very clean, the people are so nice, and the fact that it’s crime-free — oh my goodness, that puzzles me,” Ndebele said with a laugh.

“This is such a blessing. You can walk around at night, train at any time without fear — day or night. Kigali is such an amazing place,” added Ndebele, who spends much of his time in Bali, Indonesia, training at SOMA Fight Club alongside top international athletes.

“The landscape here is incredible — majestic hills everywhere,” he continued. 

“I love nature, and Rwanda’s beauty is something to really cherish and savour.”

Ndebele Prepares for Tough Challenge Against Simbarashe “The Hawk” in PFL Africa Event

After defeating Egypt’s Mahmoud Atef in the first-ever PFL Africa event held in Cape Town earlier this year, Ndebele now faces one of his toughest challenges yet in Simbarashe “The Hawk”.

The Zimbabwean standout has been on a tear since turning professional, racking up five straight wins under the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) banner before making a successful PFL debut against South African-born Irishman Frans Mlamba in July.

In terms of experience, Ndebele holds the edge. The South African has faced elite international competition, including a trilogy of title fights against American standout Jose Torres under the BRAVE CF banner. Still, he remains cautious and respectful of Hokonya’s hunger and drive.

“Experience helps — it makes you calmer in there because you’ve been through it before,” Ndebele explained. “But I was once that hungry fighter too. Experience just takes away some pressure, but the fire remains the same. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be, doing what I’m meant to be doing.

“Simbarashe has heart — real African strength, physically and mentally. But I’m the King of Many Nations, and I’m here to extend my reign. A lot of people have forgotten who I am, and this fight will be a reminder.”

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) has rapidly become one of the world’s premier MMA organizations, setting itself apart with a season-based format where fighters earn points, advance to playoffs, and compete for million-dollar championships.

In just a few short years, the PFL has evolved into a global powerhouse, acquiring Bellator MMA, expanding into Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and building a roster that rivals any promotion in the sport.

PFL Africa: A Major Milestone in Global Expansion and African MMA

PFL Africa represents a major milestone in the league’s ambitious global expansion — and a landmark moment for African MMA. The continent has produced global icons such as Francis Ngannou, Israel Adesanya, and Dricus du Plessis, and the PFL’s investment offers a professional stage for the next generation of African stars to shine on home soil.

The PFL Africa Semi-Finals in Rwanda will feature 11 fights in total — eight semi-final bouts, two alternate matchups, and one showcase fight.

Fans across the continent can catch the action live on SuperSport and Canal+ from 6 PM CAT, while U.S. audiences can stream it via the PFL App starting at 12 PM ET on October 18.

As Ndebele prepares to step into the cage once again, his mission is clear — to reclaim his throne, represent his continent with pride, and remind the world why he’s one of Africa’s finest exports in mixed martial arts.

“For me, this is another reigning victory — another step forward,” Ndebele said with conviction. “But for many, it will be a reminder: the King is back.”

Fight Card:

Featherweight Semifinal Main Event: Patrick Ocheme (7-1) vs. Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4)

Bantamweight Semifinal Co-Main Event: 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)

Heavyweight Semifinal Bout: Abraham Bably (6-2) vs. Joffie Houlton (8-4) 

Bantamweight Semifinal Bout: Boule Godogo (4-0) vs. Karim Henniene (5-0) 

Welterweight Semifinal Bout: Yabna N’tchala (12-2-1) vs. Emilios Dassi (5-1) 

Featherweight Semifinal Bout: Wasi Adeshina (8-3) vs. Dwight Joseph (15-2) 

Alternate Heavyweight Bout: Abdoulaye Kane (3-1) vs. Emmanuel Mukam (2-0)

Alternate Featherweight Bout: Mohamed Carama (5-3-1) vs. Alain Majorique (5-0)

Showcase Featherweight Bout: James Opio (2-1) vs. Isaac Omeda (2-0)

IOL Sport