PFL Africa's Shido Boris Esperança: One of Angola's many passionate warriors!

The Angolan people are a proud nation — a land of warriors, combatants, and fighters with big hearts who wear their passion for their country and its red, black, and yellow flag on their sleeves.

Blessed with immense natural and human talent, Angola continues to produce exceptional sportsmen and women across basketball, football, handball, volleyball, and combat sports like judo and boxing. In recent years, however, the global rise of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has sparked a new wave of ambition and investment in the sport — and the results are undeniable.

At international events such as the IMMAF World Championships and the IMMAF Africa Championships, few chants are louder than “Team Angola, Pronto!” as the Southern African nation’s athletes proudly march in their striking red, black, and yellow tracksuits. Angola has become a consistent presence on both the amateur and professional MMA circuits, forging a reputation for heart, technique, and warrior spirit.

Over the years, names like Demarte Pena, Manel Kape, Cláudio Fontoura, Gisela Luna, Milfa Rei Leão, Osvaldo Benedito, and Joyce Kitoko have emerged as symbols of Angolan excellence — fighters who carry both pride and purpose into every bout. For them, stepping inside the cage is more than just competition; it’s an act of representation — a chance to show who they are and what they stand for. Each performance becomes a canvas, painted with skill, resilience, and unbreakable will.

But what gives Angola’s fighters that extra edge — that fire which seems to burn brighter than most?

Angola’s Resilient Legacy in Combat Sports

To understand it, one must look to Angola’s past. From 1975 to 2002, the country endured one of Africa’s longest and most devastating conflicts — the Angolan Civil War, a complex struggle born in the aftermath of independence from Portugal.

The conflict intertwined Cold War rivalries, ethnic divisions, and battles for control between the MPLA, UNITA, and FNLA movements. The war’s impact was profound, shaping generations that grew up amid adversity, hardship, and survival. It’s a history that still echoes in the spirit of the nation’s athletes today.

PFL Africa star Shido Boris Esperança (10–1) believes this legacy has forged a generation of fighters built on resilience and courage.

“We have a culture of warriors. We’ve been through a lot — we had three civil wars — and we are a nation of fighters,” says Esperança, who will face unbeaten Cameroonian Octave Ayinda (7–0) in the 2025 PFL Africa Semifinals in Kigali, Rwanda. Esperança credits Angola’s combat sports foundation to a unique blend of cultural and international influences.

Angola’s Jiu-Jitsu Legacy and Cultural Dance Influence

“In Africa, I believe we have the potential to be among the best. In Angola, jiu-jitsu is very strong because many Brazilians came here years ago for work and business. Many of them were black belts, and their influence helped build our combat sports base. Now, our jiu-jitsu in Africa is among the best, and MMA is growing fast too. I believe that in a few years, Angola will be one of the top African countries for training and producing elite fighters.”

Esperança embodies this warrior heritage — both inside and outside the cage. Known for his lively walkouts and post-fight celebrations, he has become a fan favorite for his rhythmic dance moves and magnetic presence. But for him, the dancing runs much deeper than showmanship.

“Brother, in Angolan culture, dance is part of who we are. We love to dance — anytime, anywhere. We love to celebrate, to be happy, to show hospitality. I try to bring that same energy into my fights. It’s never about disrespect — it’s cultural. In my country, we dance whether we win or lose. When I walk in, I dance; when I win, I celebrate — because it’s part of who I am and where I come from.”

Both Esperança and Ayinda are known finishers — Esperança with eight first-round knockouts, Ayinda with four — promising fireworks at the BK Arena in Kigali. Yet, Esperança believes his all-around game will make the difference.

“My opponent is good — he’s aggressive — but he’s never fought someone like me. I’m dangerous on top and off my back. I believe I’m the most complete fighter he’s ever faced, and that will make the difference. If he takes me down, he’ll have to worry about my submission game. It’s going to be a tough night — a tough night for him.”

For Esperança, dominance is not an accident — it’s the result of relentless preparation.

“When I finish a fight, it’s a consequence of my hard work. I always aim to control and impose myself. Usually, I’m so superior that the fight ends early. It’s not something I chase — it’s the result of the work I put in.”

The 2025 PFL Africa Semifinals will feature 11 bouts — eight semifinal clashes, two alternates, and one showcase fight.

In the co-main event, South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9–3) — the “King of Many Nations” — takes on undefeated Zimbabwean prospect Simbarashe Hokonya (6–0), a dangerous challenger training alongside Nicholas Hwende, the fighter who once dethroned Ndebele.

Headlining the card, Nigeria’s dynamic featherweight Patrick Ocheme (7–1) meets Burkina Faso’s explosive striker Abdoul Razac Sankara (7–4), fresh off a “Knockout of the Night” performance in Johannesburg.

The PFL Africa Semifinals: Rwanda airs live on October 18, 2025, on SuperSport and Canal+ from 6 p.m. CAT, and will stream free on the PFL App in the United States from 12 p.m. ET.

PFL Africa Semifinals: Rwanda Main Card:

BK Arena, Kigali, Rwanda

SuperSport (Africa - English) | Canal+ (Africa - French)

PFL App (U.S.)

Saturday, 18 October

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