As per an official PFL press release, the PFL have announced PFL Africa. As per the press release the key points are:
- First premium Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) league featuring top African athletes, with all events held across the continent, and available via leading regional media partners
- MMA Superstar Francis Ngannou to serve as PFL Africa Chairman
- Helios Sports & Entertainment Group invests to become strategic partner in PFL Africa
- PFL Africa will be Africa’s most accessible sports league across linear, digital and mobile platforms upon Q2 2025 launch
PFL CEO Peter Murray has commented on the announcement stating:
“The Professional Fighters League is excited to announce PFL Africa, the third international fight franchise as we continue on our path to becoming the Champions League of MMA”
“Africa is home to some of the greatest fighters in the world, including our league Chairman Francis Ngannou, and some of the greatest fans in the sport. PFL Africa aims to serve the great fans with premium content while strengthening the PFL global footprint in what has for too long been an underserved market. Alongside our great investment and broadcast partners we cannot wait to kick off PFL Africa league action in 2025.”
Coming 2025#PFLAfrica pic.twitter.com/oAWhQpCMwL
— PFL (@PFLMMA) July 10, 2024
What has Ngannou said?
Following Ngannou’s signing with the PFL, we expected him to make his debut in 2024, however, this seems more unlikely as he rebuilds following his knockout loss to Anthony Joshua in the world of boxing. On PFL Africa, the former UFC heavyweight king said:
“I am excited and honored to serve as Chairman of PFL Africa, a league that will shape the very foundation of African MMA”
“As we have seen there is a great wealth of talent in Africa just waiting to be given a global stage. I am so very proud to give back to my homeland and to provide great content to a region with such a passionate and diverse fanbase.”
What we can expect from PFL Africa is similar to the PFL Europe and PFL MENA tournaments that we’ve had in recent years. All fighters will be from the continent and all fight nights will take place in Africa, an exciting prospect for native fans.
