PFL Africa Finals in Benin mark a defining moment for MMA on the continent, says CEO
In the PFL Africa Welterweight semi-final, Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (11-1) delivered one of the most impressive performances of the night stopping Cameroon’s Octave Ayinda (7-1) in the first round. Photo: PFL Africa
Image: PFL Africa
It’s all systems go as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) gears up for its grand finale on African soil. After launching the PFL Africa franchise earlier this year, the global MMA promotion is now entering the business end of its 2025 season, which culminates on December 20 at the iconic Sofitel Dome in Cotonou, Benin.
This groundbreaking event will crown the continent’s first-ever PFL Africa champions across four divisions—Heavyweight, Welterweight, Featherweight, and Bantamweight—as Africa’s elite fighters put it all on the line for a $100,000 grand prize, a coveted championship belt, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join the PFL Global ecosystem.
The PFL Africa Finals promise to be a momentous occasion not only for mixed martial arts but also for the host nation, Benin, which continues to establish itself as a rising player in the global sports arena. The coastal city of Cotonou, renowned for its vibrant culture and deep-rooted history, will take center stage as fans and fighters converge for what is expected to be a night of unforgettable action.
The Finals will be staged as an intimate VIP broadcast event at the Sofitel Dome, accompanied by large-scale fan watch parties throughout the Cotonou region—ensuring audiences across the continent share in this historic night. The show will be televised in over 100 countries, shining a global spotlight on Benin’s culture, hospitality, and stunning coastline.
The PFL Africa Finals mark the culmination of a trailblazing inaugural season that kicked off with high-octane events in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Kigali. From spectacular knockouts to dramatic upsets, the road to Benin has been packed with passion, grit, and world-class athleticism. The semifinals, held in Kigali, Rwanda, on October 18, showcased the immense depth of talent emerging from across the continent.
The PFL Africa Semifinals in Rwanda delivered fireworks across an 11-fight card that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Fighters battled fiercely for a place in the historic Benin finale, with several standout performances defining the night.
In the Bantamweight division, South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (10-3) edged Zimbabwe’s Simbarashe Hokonya (6-1) in a tactical war that went the distance. After three intense rounds of striking and grappling exchanges, Ndebele secured a split-decision victory (29-28, 30-27, 29-28), earning his ticket to the Finals, where he will face Algeria’s undefeated Karim Henniène (6-0).
The Welterweight division saw Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança (11-1) deliver one of the most impressive performances of the night. After surviving an early scare from Cameroon’s Octave Ayinda (7-1), Esperança turned the tide with superior grappling and ground control, finishing the fight via first-round TKO. His Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise and composure under pressure cemented his place in the championship round.
In the Heavyweight bracket, South Africa’s Justin Clarke (4-0) showed tremendous heart and endurance to outlast Cameroon’s Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-2). The two traded heavy blows in a back-and-forth slugfest before Clarke’s relentless pressure forced Nana to verbally submit in the third round.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast’s Abraham Bably (7-2) made a statement in his semifinal clash with Nigeria’s Joffie Houlton (8-5). Bably’s calculated aggression paid off early as he landed a crushing overhand left, followed by a barrage of elbows that ended the fight in the first round—securing his spot in the Finals.
Beyond the cage, the PFL Africa Finals symbolize Benin’s growing role in international sports. With its rich heritage, colorful traditions, and breathtaking coastline, the nation is emerging as a premier destination for sports tourism and a beacon of African athletic excellence.
Benoît Dato, Benin’s Minister of Sports, expressed pride in hosting the event:“The Republic of Benin is honored to host the PFL Africa Finals, an event that highlights the growing strength of African sports and reflects our ambition to make it a source of pride and a driver of development.”
As the countdown to December 20 begins, anticipation continues to build across the continent. John Martin, CEO of the Professional Fighters League, emphasized the magnitude of the moment:“The PFL Africa Finals in Benin mark a defining moment for the sport on the continent and for the Professional Fighters League globally. This event is more than a championship—it’s a celebration of Africa’s athletic excellence, cultural strength, and global influence. Together with our partners in Benin and the EYA Foundation, we’re building a platform that unites sport, community, and culture while showcasing Africa’s incredible talent and spirit to the world.”
The 2025 PFL Africa Finals will be broadcast live across French-speaking Africa on CANAL+ and across English-speaking Africa on SuperSport. PFL is the only MMA organization with a ‘win and advance’ tournament format. The league features three competition properties: the PFL World Championship, the PFL Champions Series, and the PFL International Leagues. PFL events are broadcast and streamed live to 190 countries through 20 leading media partners worldwide.
Official 2025 PFL Africa Semifinals: Rwanda Results:
Bantamweight Semifinal Main Event: Nkosi Ndeboele def. Simbarashe Hokonya via split decision (29-28 x2 30-27)
Welterweight Semifinal Co-Main Event: Shido Boris Esperança def. Octave Ayinda via TKO (R1, 3:46)
Heavyweight Semifinal Bout: Justin Clarke def. Maxwell Djantou Nana via verbal submission (R3, 3:09)
Heavyweight Semifinal Bout: Abraham Bably def. Joffie Houlton via TKO (R1, 4:08)
Bantamweight Semifinal Bout: Karim Henniène def. Boule Godogo via KO (R3, 4:21)
Welterweight Semifinal Bout: Yabna N’tchala def. Emilios Dassi via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Featherweight Semifinal Bout: Wasi Adeshina def. Dwight Joseph via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Semifinal Featherweight Bout: Alain Majorique def. Mohamed Camara via unanimous decision (30-27 x2, 29-28)
IOL Sport