Sport

Ndebele and Clarke secure spots in PFL Africa Finals after semi-final wins

MMA

Julian Kiewietz|Published

Nkosi Ndeboele defeated Simbarashe Hokonya via split decision (29-28 x2 30-27). Photo: Supplied

Image: PFL Africa

It was a triumphant weekend for South African MMA as Nkosi Ndebele and Justin Clarke secured their spots in the PFL Africa Finals after standout performances in Kigali, Rwanda.

Competing in the PFL Africa Semifinals, Ndebele and Clarke emerged victorious in their respective Bantamweight and Heavyweight divisions, defeating Zimbabwe’s Simbarashe Hokonya and Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana.

In the main event of the evening, Nkosi Ndebele (10-3) faced previously unbeaten Simbarashe Hokonya (6-1) in a tightly contested Bantamweight semifinal.

From the opening bell, both fighters showcased high-level skill and strategy. Ndebele looked to establish his striking at range, while Hokonya relied on his trademark wrestling and forward pressure. Despite being outlanded slightly in total strikes, Ndebele’s defensive wrestling, two takedowns, and consistent output proved decisive.

Justin Clarke defeated Maxwell Djantou Nana via verbal submission (R3, 3:09). Photo: Supplied

Image: PFL Africa

A key moment came in the second round when Ndebele took Hokonya’s back and locked in a tight body control, limiting his opponent’s movement. In the final round, he intensified the pressure, landing crisp right hands, powerful low kicks, and a late takedown that likely sealed the victory.

The judges awarded Ndebele a split decision, booking his ticket to the 2025 PFL Africa Bantamweight Final in Benin, where he will face Algeria’s undefeated Karim Henniène (6-0).

In the second Heavyweight semifinal, South Africa’s Justin Clarke (4-0) delivered a breakout performance against Cameroon’s dangerous striker Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-2).

In what could be considered Fight of the Night, both heavyweights went to war inside the SmartCage at BK Arena. The bout remained largely on the feet, with only one takedown (by Nana in Round 1), as both men exchanged heavy shots, technical combinations, and brutal kicks.

Clarke’s cardio and composure stood out as the fight progressed. In the third round, his relentless pressure began to overwhelm Nana, who was eventually forced to verbally submit, handing Clarke the victory and a spot in the Heavyweight Final.

Clarke will face Ivory Coast’s Abraham Bably (7-2), the 2023 PFL Challenger Series contract winner, who scored a dominant first-round stoppage over Nigeria’s Joffie Houlton (8-5). Bably delivered a clinical performance, overwhelming Houlton with a heavy overhand left followed by a double-leg takedown and a barrage of elbows and hammerfists from the top, forcing the referee to stop the fight.

The stage is now set for the 2025 PFL Africa Finals on 20 December in Benin, where the Professional Fighters League will crown its inaugural African champions across four divisions: Bantamweight, Featherweight, Welterweight, and Heavyweight.

Official 2025 PFL Africa semi-finals results

  • Nkosi Ndebele def. Simbarashe Hokonya via split decision (29-28 x2, 30-27)

  • Shido Boris Esperança def. Octave Ayinda via TKO (R1, 3:46)

  • Justin Clarke def. Maxwell Djantou Nana via verbal submission (R3, 3:09)

  • Patrick Ocheme def. Abdoul Razac Sankara via split decision (29-28 x2, 29-28)

  • Abraham Bably def. Joffie Houlton via TKO (R1, 4:08)

  • Karim Henniène def. Boule Godogo via KO (R3, 4:21)

  • Yabna N’tchala def. Emilios Dassi via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)

  • Wasi Adeshina def. Dwight Joseph via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)

  • James Opio vs. Isaac Omeda ends in a unanimous draw (28-28 x3)

  • Abdoullah Kane def. Emmanuel Mukam via KO (R1, 0:23)

  • Alain Majorique def. Mohamed Camara via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)