Global Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organization, the Professional Fighters League (PFL) will launch the 2026 season of its African Tournament, PFL Africa on Friday, April 10 with an action-packed fight card at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa.
The event marks the promotion’s return to the continent after a successful debut season that crowned four pioneer champions across the heavyweight, welterweight, featherweight and bantamweight divisions. Season 2 of PFL Africa, the organization says will showcase rising African prospects alongside proven contenders from over 10 different nations across the continent.
Among the fighters set to feature on the card is Cameroonian welterweight prospect, Emilios Dassi, who represents the Francis Ngannou Foundation. Dassi will take on Angola’s Shido Boris Esperança in a highly anticipated welterweight bout as both fighters begin their quest for gold in the division.
Known as “Le Fils du Prédateur” — translated as “Son of the Predator” — Dassi is known for his formidable knockout power, drawing comparisons with his mentor and global heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, popularly known as “The Predator.”
The April 10 fight night marks the official start of the PFL Africa 2026 campaign, with fighters from across the continent looking to establish themselves as contenders in the promotion’s rapidly growing African league.
Headlining the event will be a Bantamweight Showcase Bout between inaugural PFL Africa Bantamweight Champion, Nkosi Ndebele against Italy’s Michele Clemente who will be making his PFL Africa debut.
The co-main event will see South Africa’s Justin Clarke square off against Senegal’s Abdoulaye Kane in a high-powered clash of heavyweights. Clarke will be seeking to use the host country advantage as he bounces back from his PFL Africa Heavyweight final loss, while Kane will be seeking to not just win, but achieve three successive KO wins.
The matchup promises explosive action as both heavyweights look to position themselves as key contenders in PFL Africa.
