Kigali is yet again poised to make history on October 18, 2025, as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) brings the inaugural PFL Africa semifinals to Rwanda’s BK Arena. The event promises a night of electrifying action, showcasing Africa’s top mixed martial arts talent across heavyweight, welterweight, featherweight, and bantamweight divisions.
This tournament reignites Rwanda’s emergence as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment, especially at the backdrop of the winding 2025 UCI Road World Championships, one of the most prestigious global competitions Rwanda has hosted.
Following the initial announcement of the marquee matchups, PFL has now unveiled the full fight card, featuring eleven thrilling bouts that blend rising African talent with seasoned fighters from across the continent.
Fans can expect to witness a spectacle that marries elite athleticism with the tournament’s signature “win and advance” format. Tickets for this historic event are available via TicQet, promising an unforgettable experience for MMA enthusiasts in Rwanda and beyond.
Africa’s MMA athletes will enter Kigali after intense qualifiers in Johannesburg and Cape Town, all vying for a spot in the championship finale in Benin later this year.
The tournament provides a unique platform for African fighters to compete on the global stage, offering life-changing opportunities and recognition in the international MMA scene.
According to the fight card, Nigeria’s Wasi Adeshina (8-3) opens the featherweight semifinals against Liberia’s Dwight Joseph (15-2), both fighters having earned their positions with decisive victories in Johannesburg.
In the Welterweight division, Guinea-Bissau’s Yabna “The Panther” N’tchala (12-2-1) takes on Emilios Dassi (5-1) of Cameroon, a knockout artist trained under the Francis Ngannou Foundation, promising a clash of explosive power.
Bantamweight action features the undefeated Boule Godogo (4-0) of the DRC against Algeria’s Karim “The Kryptonian” Henniene (5-0), a bout set to deliver intense grappling exchanges.
Heavyweight fans can look forward to a power-packed showdown between Ivory Coast’s Abraham “The One and Only” Bably (6-2) and Nigeria’s Joffie Houlton (8-4), followed by Cameroonian Maxwell Djantou Nana (7-1) facing undefeated South African Justin Clarke (3-0), both vying for a spot in the Championship round.
Adding a local flavor to the card, Rwanda’s James Opio (2-1) will thrill the crowd in a showcase featherweight bout against Uganda’s Isaac Omeda (2-0). Known for his explosive finishing ability, Opio carries the hopes of home fans eager to see one of their own leave a mark on the international MMA stage.
The co-main event will feature South Africa’s Nkosi Ndebele (9-3), a former BRAVE CF bantamweight champion, against Zimbabwean prospect Simbarashe Hokonya (6-0), setting the stage for a clash of skill and strategy.
Headlining the night, Nigeria’s unorthodox Featherweight star Patrick Ocheme (7-1) will face Burkina Faso’s dynamic striker Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4), both fighters entering the bout with momentum from previous knockout performances.
A new era in Africa’s MMA landscape
The PFL Africa Semifinals mark a historic milestone for mixed martial arts on the continent. By hosting this tournament in Kigali, Rwanda joins the ranks of global MMA destinations, attracting fans, athletes, and media attention.
PFL’s “win and advance” format guarantees high-intensity matchups where every fight carries enormous stakes, fueling the growth of African MMA while providing athletes with a pathway to international recognition.
The event is a celebration of Africa’s rising talent and Rwanda’s expanding sports infrastructure. Fans can witness the continent’s best fighters, including champions and undefeated prospects, as they battle for a chance to compete for PFL Africa’s inaugural titles in December.
With eleven bouts, including semifinals, alternates, and a local showcase fight, the night promises action, drama, and unforgettable moments. Meanwhile, anticipation is building across Africa and beyond.
