PFL Africa 1 Staff Picks: Bantamweight Phenom Seeks Another Exciting Finish

High-level mixed martial arts makes its way to The Cradle of Humanity when PFL Africa 1 brings a rousing card to the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa. Taking top billing for the occasion, bantamweight tournament winner Nkosi Ndebele locks horns with organizational debutant Michele Clemente. In the co-main event, the heavyweights will rock the cage, as Justin Clarke and Abdoulaye Kane throw down in what has all the makings of an electrifying kickboxing showdown.    

PFL Africa 1 Main Event

Making his debut in the promotion last year, Ndebele solidified his position as arguably the premier 135-lb athlete on the roster when he won the PFL Africa bantamweight bracket with a perfect 3-0 sweep. Not content to rest on his laurels, “King” wants nothing more to separate himself from the pack even further by logging a splendid stoppage this weekend in PFL Africa 1.

   

While he has never competed for a major organization in his eight-bout career, Clemente has shown a stellar degree of promise on the regional circuit, notably attaining the WFC bantamweight title. Making his freshman walk to the SmartCage, “The Arrow” can announce himself to the rest of the division with a victory over a proven finisher in the PFL Africa 1 main event.    

PFL Africa 1  Co-Main Event

As a professional, Clarke has made one thing clear in his fighting style: he does not leave his contests in the hands of the judges. With all of his triumphs coming by way of strikes, the hometown hero is looking to place the defender as he tangos with an equally stalwart hard-puncher in the PFL Africa 1 co-main event. 

In the promotion’s heavyweight class, there may be no striker more intimidating than Kane. Having not gone to the scorecards once in his whole mixed martial arts career, fans should expect a quick night in the office for this Tiger Muay Thai representative.      

More Bouts On the PFL Africa 1 (2026) Main Card

Also on the main card, Peace Nguphane battles Yabna N’Tchalá. Then, Shido Boris Esperança and Emilios Dassi duke it out. Finally, Eliezer Kubanza and Kunle Lawal square off.

PFL Africa 1 (2026) Predictions and Staff Picks

MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).

• UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
• PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
• ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.

Find our PFL Africa 1 (2026) picks and fight odds below.

Staff records after UFC Vegas 115: 

1. Hank Strandberg: 39-20
2. Frazer Krohn: 35-25
3. Drew Zuhosky: 23-35
4. Andrew Benjamin: 11-10

                                     *Note – not all staff pick for every event*

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Eliezer Kubanza -2000

Vs.

Kunle Lawal +1000 

            WELTERWEIGHT

          

Hank Strandberg: Kubanza by Second Round Knockout                                                     
Drew Zuhosky: Kubanza by Unanimous Decision                                                    
Frazer Krohn: Lawal by Unanimous Decision   

Staff picking Kubanza: 2

Staff picking Lawal: 1

  

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Shido Boris Esperança -550

     Vs.

Emilios Dassi +400

             WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Esperança by First Round Knockout    
Drew Zuhosky: Esperança by Unanimous Decision                    

Frazer Krohn: Dassi by Third Round Knockout 

Staff picking Esperança: 2

Staff picking Dassi: 1

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Yabna N’Tchalá -225

Vs.

Peace Nguphane +190

             WELTERWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: N’Tchalá by Unanimous Decision                                                     
Drew Zuhosky: Nguphane by Unanimous Decision                                              
Frazer Krohn: N’Tchalá by Unanimous Decision    

Staff picking N’Tchalá: 2

Staff picking Nguphane: 1

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Abdoullah Kane -800

Vs.

Justin Clarke +550

       HEAVYWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Kane by First Round Knockout                                                     
Drew Zuhosky: Clarke by First Round Knockout                                                   
Frazer Krohn: Clarke by First Round Submission      

Staff picking Kane: 1

Staff picking Clarke: 2   

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Nkosi Ndebele -3800

    Vs.

Michele Clemente +1500

 BANTAMWEIGHT

Hank Strandberg: Ndebele by Unanimous Decision                                                   
Drew Zuhosky: Ndebele by First Round Knockout                                                  
Frazer Krohn: Ndebele by Unanimous Decision     

Staff picking Ndebele: 3

Staff picking Clemente: 0